In Iran, families fear for the lives of individuals arrested and portrayed as scapegoats by the government. The case of Venus Hosseini-Nejad, a 28-year-old artist detained since January 15, highlights concerns over the treatment of political prisoners. Her family, particularly her cousin Negar Manshady living in Australia, expressed worries over Hosseini-Nejad's mental health, especially since she has bipolar disorder and has been on medication for many years. The lack of communication and proper medical care in detention raises alarms about her well-being.

As state-run media broadcasts confessions extracted under duress, the implications are severe for those accused. Hosseini-Nejad's family reported that she was forcibly taken by plain-clothes security forces without a warrant. Such practices are indicative of a broader trend in Iran where dissent is met with extreme measures, including imprisonment and potential execution. The psychological strain on detainees, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, exacerbates fears regarding the consequences of these forced confessions.

The international community has been alerted to the unsettling reality of human rights abuses in Iran, with increased calls for accountability. The plight of Hosseini-Nejad is a reminder of the urgent need to stand against such practices, advocating for the humane treatment of all individuals within the legal system. The fear of execution looms large over families of the arrested, igniting a global outcry against the oppressive tactics employed by the Iranian regime.