Iran's security forces have apprehended 11 citizens, including prominent women's rights activists, in a wave of arrests across several cities in Gilan province.

On Wednesday, security forces arrested and detained 11 citizens including five women's rights advocates, a photographer, a poet, a graphic designer, and three pharmacists.

Grounds for the arrests, which took place in the cities of Rasht, Fuman, Anzali, and Lahijan, remain unclear and no details have emerged of the prisoners’ wellbeing. Reports indicate that the majority were apprehended after security forces raided their homes.

This is the latest in a string of government clampdowns on activists, students, educators, and writers in the lead-up to the September 16th anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death at the hands of police whilst in custody, which sparked nationwide protests.

In recent weeks, a significant number of university students across Iran have reported receiving anonymous phone threats and summonses by security agencies. Similar reports have been made by families of victims who have died in uprisings, particularly on the anniversaries of deaths. These threats are assumed as efforts to deter commemorative gatherings.

Additionally, there have been reports of security pressures exerted on families of the victims of the uprising particularly occurring on the anniversaries of deaths. perceived as efforts to deter commemorative gatherings.