Iranian Couple's Arrest in Türkiye Raises Deportation Fear

The recent arrest of a Kurdish political refugee couple in Türkiye has sparked fears of their deportation to Iran, with human rights groups urging international intervention.

Reshad Mohammadi, a Kurdish activist from Kamiyaran, and his wife, Azhin Fahmideh Hosseini, were arrested by Turkish police recently, according to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights. 

Their current location is unknown, but they were last seen being taken to a camp near Canakkale.

Mohammadi, 34, and Hosseini, 30, were reportedly active in Kurdish political circles in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for several years.

Facing pressure from Iranian security forces, they were forced to flee and seek refuge in Türkiye, with the eventual goal of reaching Europe.

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights expressed concern about the couple's potential deportation to Iran. 

"They risk torture and other inhuman treatment" at the hands of Iranian authorities, the group said. 

The organization has called for urgent intervention by human rights organizations and international bodies, particularly those focused on refugee support.

The deportation of asylum seekers, refugees, and political and civil activists living in Türkiye to Iran has seen a worrisome surge in recent years. 

United Nations refugee officials have also reduced their activities and now defer the handling of refugees to the Turkish government.

Previously, the Turkish government deported political activist Shahryar Baratinya to Iran, leading to his imprisonment in Evin Prison since August 3, following his deportation.