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Unwelcomed refugees: three nights in a police detention centre in Iran
Sheekiba Rahyab* authored this report for Zan Times, translated into English by Rustam Seerat
My name is Sheekiba*, and I am 50 years old. Before the Taliban returned to power, my husband worked at a foreign NGO in Kabul and earned a good salary. Our life with our four children was relatively good.
Then the foreign NGOs closed, and my husband became unemployed — each passing day made our economic situation worse. Despite this, we struggled on, primarily for our children’s education. The Taliban’s prohibition on girls getting an education shattered our hopes. To secure a better future for our children and improve our economic situation, we sought refuge in Iran.
We settled in a village near the city of Arak, south of Tehran. My husband got work as a well digger. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side. He had a fall inside a well, severely injuring his back and unable to work. I was forced to find work in agricultural lands and orchards to sustain our family. I had no choice, despite the arduous work and low wages. In addition to my husband’s medical bills, I need to support our three daughters and son.
A few days ago, I went like usual to a local square to join other women catching the bus…
