Iranian authorities detained four Kurds over the past two days, raising concerns over human rights and due process. The Kurdish arrests targeted individuals linked to political activism and past protests in western Iran.
Authorities arrested Raouf Farrokhi, Vahab Mohammadpour, and Rahim Rahmani from Piranshahr, as well as Sirwan Shawleh from Mahabad. Ministry of Intelligence agents conducted the raids in West Azerbaijan province during early morning operations. Furthermore, they reportedly used drones to intimidate residents during the arrests.
Shawleh had previously faced interrogation in Mahabad in February, where officials threatened her. Meanwhile, her husband, Jalal Sadafi, has remained in Mahabad Prison since December 15, 2024, without formal charges. Authorities have not publicly explained Shawleh’s recent detention.
Farrokhi and Rahmani were transferred to a detention center in Urmia. Mohammadpour, who authorities had arrested during nationwide 2022 protests, spent three months in Naqadeh Prison before his release on bail. Therefore, these arrests appear to continue a pattern of targeting politically active Kurds.
Human rights observers emphasize that Iranian authorities frequently detain Kurds involved in activism or protests. Moreover, detainees often face arbitrary imprisonment and cannot access legal representation. Experts argue that these Kurdish arrests reflect systemic issues in Iran’s security and judicial systems.
The crackdown intensified after the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman detained by morality police. Her death sparked nationwide protests and led to a wave of arrests across Kurdish communities. Over the past three days, authorities arrested ten Kurdish citizens in Bukan, Piranshahr, Mahabad, and Kamyaran.
In a recent legal development, Iran’s Supreme Court overturned death sentences for five Kurdish political prisoners from the 2022 protests. The court had originally charged them with armed rebellion, enmity against God, and leading a rebel criminal group. Although this decision may temporarily ease tensions, arbitrary arrests continue, creating uncertainty for Kurdish communities.
International observers warn that continued Kurdish arrests could increase social unrest in western Iran. Consequently, human rights advocates urge the government to respect due process and allow legal representation. Kurdish activists highlight growing insecurity and call for international attention to protect detainees’ rights.
As the situation develops, the coming weeks will likely determine whether Iranian authorities adjust their approach toward political and ethnic minorities. Therefore, the Kurdish arrests remain a key indicator of the government’s stance on dissent and minority rights.