The body of Mohammad Hassan Rahimi, a South Azerbaijani civil activist who had been arrested or disappeared some time earlier, was found in an area between Chalkhamaz village and the Chighati River (Zarrineh-Rud).

Mr. Rahimi, who had previously been detained by IRGC intelligence forces, died as a result of severe blows to his head and face. Preliminary evidence and statements from informed sources indicate that, following his death, security authorities kept his body in a frozen state for a period of time, purportedly to prevent the interrogators from being held accountable and to allow time for signs of torture to disappear.

Family Left Searching Amid Concealment by Authorities

In recent days, Rahimi’s family and relatives contacted various authorities, including IRGC intelligence offices and judicial authorities in Urmia and Qushachay (Miandoab), seeking information about his whereabouts. They received contradictory responses, with authorities denying responsibility and leaving the family in a state of uncertainty.

Reports further indicate that, after the heightened security atmosphere and public speculation surrounding his disappearance had subsided, Rahimi’s body was abandoned in an isolated area approximately 10 days later. To date, no official authority or judicial institution has issued a public statement regarding the incident or accepted responsibility for his death.

Rahimi, a 42-year-old Azerbaijani Turk civil activist, was abducted by plainclothes agents on December 25, 2024 (5 Dey 1403) in Miandoab (Qushachay). His case of enforced disappearance was being followed by international organizations, including the United Nations.