Turkey Trying To Extradite Iranian Rights Activist

Shilan Mirzaee, a human rights and political activist, is in danger of being deported to Iran because of increased pressure on Iranian asylum seekers in Turkey.

Mirzaee was recently detained in Izmir and transferred to the Bandirma deportation center in northern Turkey.

During an audio message on Thursday, Ms Mirzaee described her situation and stated that if she were to be returned to Iran, she would be subjected to severe punishment.

Attempts to deport her are being made despite her claim that she has "the approval of the United Nations and the Immigration Police" in her file and that she has not engaged in any activities against the Turkish government.

Authorities have not explained why this activist was arrested and transferred to the detention center.

In recent years, the situation of Iranian political and civil refugees living in Turkey has deteriorated.

Shilan Mirzaee has described threats made by individuals associated with the Iranian Embassy, including two women who she alleges were attempting to kidnap her, and threats made against her son in front of school.

Iran International reported in August about the situation of an Iranian refugee in the Aydin Removal Center who was being physically and mentally tortured by the camp director.

He explained that the officials of the camp keep the asylum seekers under the sun so that they will sign the deportation papers to Iran.

Last year British television channel ITV reported that affiliates of the Iranian regime are threatening to kidnap political refugees in Turkey.

An asylum seeker was quoted asserting that Iran has become very adept at kidnapping and killing opponents.