Political prisoner Shahryar Baratynia, a human rights activist, poet, author, and translator from Yasuj, Iran, has faced relentless pressure from Iranian security forces due to his social and human rights advocacy. His recent arrest and deportation from Turkey to Iran exemplify the systemic repression of human rights activists in the country.
Born in 1996 in Yasuj, Baratynia has been actively involved in advocating for children’s rights, environmental protection, and labor issues. He is also deeply passionate about the history and culture of the Lur people and was writing a book on this subject before his detention.
Arrests and Security Pressures
Baratynia was first arrested in July 2021 in Sanandaj without prior summons. He endured four months of interrogation and imprisonment in various facilities before being temporarily released on bail of 700 million tomans. Escalating security pressures eventually forced him to flee Iran in May 2023 and seek asylum in Turkey.
Deportation to Iran
While in Istanbul, Turkish police detained Baratynia and transferred him to a temporary camp in eastern Turkey. Despite threats from Turkish intelligence to coerce him into signing a voluntary deportation letter, he refused. Ultimately, on August 3, 2023, he was forcibly deported to Iran and handed over to Iranian border authorities. Upon his return, he was initially taken to the Khoy Intelligence Office and later transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison in Tehran.
Charges and Sentencing
In his latest case, Baratynia faced charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” He was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 3 years and 7 months for the first charge and 8 months for the second. Additionally, 17 months from a prior case were reinstated, resulting in a total of 5 years and 8 months of imprisonment. He was also fined 6 million tomans for allegedly leaving the country illegally.
Three months after his arrest, Baratynia began a 9-day hunger strike in protest of his prolonged solitary confinement. On November 2, 2023, he was transferred to the general ward of Evin Prison.
Baratynia has consistently highlighted the plight of the Lur people and other marginalized communities in Iran. His work has shed light on issues such as poverty, discrimination, and the rights of workers, as well as tragic phenomena like the self-immolation of women in “Zilaei” and the challenges faced by laborers in informal industries like “Shouti-Bari.”
Despite systemic repression and imprisonment, Shahryar Baratynia continues to advocate for human rights. His story is a testament to the enduring challenges faced by human rights activists in Iran and underscores the urgent need for global attention and support.
