Security escalation in Iran to prevent Newroz celebrations in E Kurdistan

The human rights website Hengaw reported that Iranian security and military forces were deployed in several cities in E Kurdistan, including Kermanshah, Oshnavieh, Saqqez, and Bukan, where checkpoints and barriers were set up to prevent citizens from reaching the celebration sites.

The report confirmed that some areas witnessed a heavy military presence, including forces armed with semi-heavy weapons, in an attempt to intimidate residents and prevent any Newroz gatherings.

Iranian authorities also used drones to monitor areas in E Kurdistan. However, some citizens succeeded in organizing celebrations with widespread participation.

The report stated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard arrested Kamal Tahaei Kani Sorkh in Ashnoveh on Friday, March 14, after he was subjected to violence during his arrest for his role in organizing Nowruz celebrations.

Earlier, Sadeq Hosseini, the Revolutionary Guard commander in Ilam, announced that no permits would be issued for Newroz celebrations, threatening that anyone collecting funds or contributing to the celebrations would face severe action.

Civil activists in Bukan were also threatened, with authorities warning them against holding any celebrations or even wearing traditional Kurdish clothing.

Despite the heightened security, arrests, and threats, activists circulated videos showing Newroz celebrations taking place in cities in west Azerbaijan and Kurdistan provinces, where citizens took to the streets in their traditional clothes, singing folk songs, and celebrating in defiance of government restrictions.

Sh-S

ANNHA