Ronak Rezaei is detained in uncertain conditions in the Sepidar Prison of Ahvaz. Ms. Rezaei is a master’s student of cultural studies at Tehran’s Allameh Tabatabai University.
A resident of Abadan, Ronak Rezaei was recently arrested amid the protests that broke out after the Metropol building collapsed. Ronak was doing research in the city to complete her thesis.
Several students’ scientific associations and students of social sciences issued a statement condemning the detention of Ronak Rezaei and demanding her unconditional release.
The statement says in part, “Ronak is a caring human being and a tenacious researcher. She had gone to Abadan to do some research for her thesis. Considering the recent tragic incident in Abadan and the adversities people suffered due to the collapse of the Metropol building, locking up such innocent human beings adds to our grief. These individuals have done no wrong other than enduring pains, suffering, and repression, and conveying the voice of the oppressed. Unfortunately, Ronak is caught up in such cruelty. While sympathizing with our fellow compatriots in Abadan, we strongly condemn Ms. Rezai’s detention and demand her immediate and unconditional release.”
Ten days of protests in Abadan and dozens of other cities
At least 43 people, including six women, died in the tragic incident in Abadan.
According to the state-run Khabar-e Vijeh Telegram Channel, the death toll in the collapse of the Metropol building had reached 43 by June 5, 2022.
The people of Khuzestan and several other Iranian provinces took to the streets for ten consecutive nights. Women were on the frontlines of the anti-government protests. They actively participated in the mourning ceremonies in solidarity with the people of Abadan.
With chants of “Death to Khamenei,” they protested the mullahs’ criminal actions. Dozens of people were arrested.
