Abbas Nikrevan, a popular South Azerbaijani singer who was arrested on July 5th while preparing to join a peaceful gathering in the Babek Castle, has gone on a hunger strike in the holding centre of Iran’s Intelligence Agency- Ettelaat in Salamas, South Azerbaijan.

Nikrevan is demanding his immediate and unconditioned release. No information about Mr. Nikravan’s health and condition has been released. It is feared that the activist’s health is deteriorating.

A.Nikravan is one of the very well-known artists of South Azerbaijan. He was repeatedly detained by the security forces for his cultural activities. He has been persecuted on a regular basis simply because he sings patriotic Azerbaijani songs and serves the culture of Azerbaijani Turks which is de facto forbidden in Iran.