Two young activists from Southern Azerbaijan, Mohsun Mohsenzadeh and Behzad Dashti, have been detained by Iranian security forces during a symbolic march to Babak Castle, a historic stronghold considered a symbol of national identity and resistance by Azerbaijanis.
The activists were reportedly stopped and warned not to return to Babak Castle on the occasion of Babak Khorramdin’s birthday — an annual event that holds deep cultural and national significance for ethnic Azerbaijanis in Iran.
According to sources, both Mohsenzadeh and Dashti responded firmly, asserting that Babak Castle represents the identity and resistance of the Azerbaijani nation and that no one has the right to prevent them from being there.
After several hours of interrogation by Iranian security personnel, the activists were released. However, their personal belongings and documents, including car registration papers, were confiscated and have not been returned.
It’s worth noting that Mohsun Mohsenzadeh had previously been detained by Iranian authorities on September 21, 2022, in the city of Ardabil, during another public action.
