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 October to 31 October.

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 October, Iranian authorities executed at least 16 prisoners across various prisons in the country.

Out of the total, eight individuals were executed on charges of “premeditated murder”, four individuals on drug-related charges, three for “enmity against God” (moharebeh) through armed robbery, and one on charges of “enmity against God” (moharebeh), membership in terrorist and takfiri (Sunni extremist) groups as well as armed operations.

Executions were concentrated in a few facilities. Five executions took place in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, four in Kermanshah Central Prison, two in Sanandaj Central Prison, two in Karaj Central Penitentiary, two in Esfarayen Prison and one in Qom Central Prison.

*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.

Femicide

On 26 October, Leila Alirmaei, a 42-year-old mother of two, was shot dead by her neighbour in Marivan, Kurdistan Province, after refusing his repeated demands to divorce her husband and marry him.

Kolbars

At least three kolbars were shot and killed and two others were wounded as a result of direct fire by Iranian border forces last month in the border areas of Baneh, Kurdistan Province.

Detentions and arrests

In October, at least 28 individuals were arrested across West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah and Tehran provinces. Those arrested included political activists, civil rights defenders, and labour activists, while in many cases their specific activities remain unknown.

Of the total number of arrests, 17 were made in West Azerbaijan Province, nine in Kurdistan Province, one in Kermanshah Province and one in Tehran Province.

Iranian security forces also arrested at least two children aged 17 in West Azerbaijan Province in the past month, who were later released.

Of those detained in October, at least one was released on bail, while two were sent to prison to serve their sentences.

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

Sentences

In October, Iranian courts handed down sentences to at least 25 Kurdish individuals ranging from a few months’ imprisonment to the death penalty.

Additionally, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentences issued for five individuals and ordered a retrial after reviewing appeals submitted by their lawyers.