Kurdistan Human Rights Network

In its monthly reports, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) highlights cases of human rights violations in Kurdistan and violations of the rights of Kurdish citizens in different regions and cities across Iran.

This report includes all cases recorded and reported by KHRN from across Iran through its own sources and verification mechanisms from 1 September to 30 September.

The restrictive environment for independent human rights organisations in Iran, coupled with the pressures faced by individuals subjected to human rights violations and their families, make it difficult to publish accurate and comprehensive reports.

It is therefore important to note that the statistics and information presented in this report do not cover all cases of human rights violations. This report is the result of examining news and reports published by the KHRN and fact-checking of reports published by other human rights organisations and news websites.

Executions

In September, Iranian authorities executed at least 22 prisoners across various prisons in the country. The executions were linked to two main charges: drug-related offences and premeditated murder. Out of the total, 15 individuals (68%) were executed on drug trafficking charges, while seven individuals (32%) were put to death for premeditated murder.

Executions were concentrated in a few facilities. Seven executions took place in Kermanshah Central Prison, six in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, five in Tabriz Central Prison, three in Sanandaj Central Prison and one in Karaj Central Penitentiary.

Most of those executed came from Kermanshah Province and Lorestan Province (seven people from each), followed by West Azerbaijan Province (five people) and Kurdistan Province (three people).

*Explanation: The KHRN, recognizing the fundamental right to life, publishes and records news and execution statistics without regard to the ethnic background of individuals and the location of the execution. All cases reported to the organisation by credible sources are published after thorough fact-checking.

Civilian killings

At least two civilians were killed by Iranian police and armed forces in Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan provinces in the past months.

Femicide

On 2 September, Sorayya Ali-Mohammadi, a 32-year-old mother of a seven-year-old child from Saqqez, Kurdistan Province, died after her husband set her on fire following a “family dispute”.

Kolbars

At least one kolbar was shot and killed and one other was wounded as a result of direct fire by Iranian border forces last month in the border areas of Nowsud in Kermanshah Province and Baneh in Kurdistan Province.

Detentions and arrests

In September, at least 30 individuals were arrested across Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, and Esfahan provinces. Those arrested included political activists, civil rights defenders, labour activists, and children, while in many cases their specific activities remain unknown.

Of the total number of arrests, 14 were made in Kurdistan Province (47%), 13 in West Azerbaijan Province (43%), and three in Esfahan Province (10%).

Iranian security forces also arrested at least nine children aged 16 and 17 in Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan provinces, accounting for 30% of all documented cases in the past month.

Of those detained in September, at least four were released on bail and three after a few hours. At least one activist was sent to Orumiyeh Central Prison to serve a sentence.

The fate of many others remains unknown, as their place of detention and legal status have not been disclosed.

Sentences

In September, Iranian courts handed down sentences to at least 14 Kurdish individuals in the provinces of West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, Kurdistan and Hamadan, ranging from a few months’ imprisonment to the death penalty.

The charges included “propaganda against the state,” membership or collaboration with Kurdish opposition parties, espionage, and possession of weapons.