The Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner, Mr. Antonio Guterres, on human rights in Iran

In early July 2018, 80 persons from the Azerbaijani Turkish community were reportedly detained or summoned by security forces in the context of an annual celebration in East Azerbaijan Province. Most have been released, amidst reports that they were subjected to ill-treatment. In August, 40 persons from the community were arrested in connection with another gathering in the city of Meshgin Shahr in Ardabil Province, amidst reports of the use of excessive force by security forces. They were subsequently released.