Iran
A market in the city of Saqqez in Iran's western Kurdistan province on strike following calls by Kurdish opposition groups protesting the death sentences of Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Moradi on January 22, 2024. Photo: Ali Javanmardi/X
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian security forces have sent threatening messages to residents in the western Kurdish areas (Rojhelat) warning them against participating in the general strike called for by Kurdish opposition groups, a human rights watchdog reported on Wednesday.
“Therefore, in light of the call announced by the counter-revolutionary groups for strikes, gatherings, and acts of harassment, any presence or cooperation you make is considered to be in agreement with the terrorist group PJAK [Free Life Party of Kurdistan] and is subject to legal prosecution under Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code,” the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said, citing a text message sent to citizens by security forces.
On Monday, the Iranian Kurdish opposition groups called for a general strike in Rojhelat to condemn the Islamic republic's death sentences for political prisoners Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Moradi.
Both Azizi and Moradi have been sentenced to death for charges of “armed insurrection” and accused of being members of “terrorist groups”
On Wednesday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said that there has been “no change” in Azizi’s looming execution.
Tasnim also accused Azizi’s lawyer - who is attempting to appeal her case - of being a member of PJAK.
Reports and footage from Hengaw show businesses and shops closed in the Kurdish cities of Mahabad, Sanandaj, Saqqez, Bukan, Divandarreh, and Kermanshah, with citizens heeding the call for a general strike by Kurdish opposition groups.
The groups who called for the general strike include the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), Komala, the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK).
“Therefore, in light of the call announced by the counter-revolutionary groups for strikes, gatherings, and acts of harassment, any presence or cooperation you make is considered to be in agreement with the terrorist group PJAK [Free Life Party of Kurdistan] and is subject to legal prosecution under Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code,” the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said, citing a text message sent to citizens by security forces.
On Monday, the Iranian Kurdish opposition groups called for a general strike in Rojhelat to condemn the Islamic republic's death sentences for political prisoners Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Moradi.
Both Azizi and Moradi have been sentenced to death for charges of “armed insurrection” and accused of being members of “terrorist groups”
On Wednesday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said that there has been “no change” in Azizi’s looming execution.
Tasnim also accused Azizi’s lawyer - who is attempting to appeal her case - of being a member of PJAK.
Reports and footage from Hengaw show businesses and shops closed in the Kurdish cities of Mahabad, Sanandaj, Saqqez, Bukan, Divandarreh, and Kermanshah, with citizens heeding the call for a general strike by Kurdish opposition groups.
Hengaw’s exclusive footages reveal a heavy presence of security forces on the streets of Divandarreh, along with the sealing of shops. This coincides with a widespread strike by businesses in the city, held in protest against the death sentences of Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh… pic.twitter.com/hKBx0cDsep
— Hengaw Organization for Human Rights (@Hengaw_English) January 22, 2025
The groups who called for the general strike include the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), Komala, the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK).
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