Geneva Council, an independent and globally recognized news organization dedicated to reporting on critical human rights issues, brings to light a series of grave human rights violations against Kurdish civilians and activists in Iran throughout September 2023.
In a comprehensive report published today, Geneva Council highlights the shocking violations documented by independent sources, shedding light on the dire situation faced by Kurdish communities within Iran.
Executions:
According to the findings, Iran executed a minimum of two individuals on charges related to murder in Parsiloun Prison, Khorramabad, Lorestan Province, on 30 September. It is worth noting that these executions represent only a fraction of the cases, as there are strong indications that the actual number is significantly higher.
Femicide:
Tragically, Geneva Council’s investigation revealed at least three instances in which young women lost their lives at the hands of male family members in Rabat and Sardasht, West Azerbaijan Province, and Sarpol-e Zahab, Kermanshah Province, during the past month.
Kolbars and Tradesmen:
The report underscores the perilous conditions faced by individuals working as kolbars in Iran’s western border areas. In September alone, at least two kolbars lost their lives, and another 10 sustained injuries. Among them, two lost their lives, while eight were wounded due to gunfire from Iranian border guards. One individual was injured following an altercation with border forces, and another suffered harm in a landmine explosion.
Killings of Civilians:
On 13 September, a tragic incident occurred as a Kurdish civilian from Eslamabad-e Gharb, Kermanshah Province, lost his life due to gunshots fired by Iranian military forces in Karaj.
Torture:
The report includes a distressing account of the death of civilian Pouya Babaei, who succumbed to fatal injuries inflicted by security forces after his arrest in Kermanshah, Kermanshah Province, on 3 September.
Work Accidents:
During September, at least four workers tragically lost their lives in work-related accidents in Bukan and Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province, and Baneh, Kurdistan Province.
Detentions and Arrests:
Throughout September, coinciding with the anniversary of the Jin, Jiyan, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom in Kurdish) uprising, Iranian security forces detained at least 182 civilians. This included family members of the protest victims, activists, and even children.
Prison Sentences:
In a concerning development, Iranian courts issued prison sentences to at least nine individuals during the past month. These sentences ranged from three months to the death penalty.
Geneva Council is deeply concerned about these egregious human rights violations and calls upon the international community to pay close attention to this pressing issue. We urge governments, international organizations, and human rights advocates to take immediate action to address and rectify these grave injustices.
