Report on Government Militarization in Kurdistan on the 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadi' Movement Anniversary
In the lead-up to September 16, the anniversary of the 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadi' movement, government forces, not
Hengaw, Friday, September 15, 2023
In the lead-up to September 16, the anniversary of the 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadi' movement, government forces, notably the IRGC, have intensified their presence in various Kurdish cities, creating an atmosphere of intimidation akin to wartime. Over the past two weeks, government institutions have detained at least 91 Kurdish individuals, with hundreds more summoned, interrogated, and threatened. The Statistics and Documents Center of the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights has documented these cases.
Reports from people highlight the heavy government force presence in cities such as Saqqez, Sanandaj, Kermanshah, Bijar, Marivan, Bukan, Mahabad, Piranshahr, Abdanan, Sarableh, Ilam, Eyvan, Kamyaran, Urmia, Divandareh, Saravabad, and Takab. Kurdistan's areas are witnessing a significant influx of armed forces and military equipment.
On Monday, September 11, a significant number of armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran moved towards Saqqez city with heavy military equipment. In the Aychi Cemetary in Saqqez, where the grave of Jina Amini has been buried, the tanks of the Revolutionary Guards have been stationed. Also, a significant number of government forces were deployed to various places in Saqqez City, especially in "Helo" Square, Azadi Square, Qukh, and the University Neighborhood.
Also, Iranian government forces in Mahabad blocked the cemetery entrance with iron fences. On Tuesday, September 12, a convoy of at least twelve vehicles carrying repressive forces and dozens of motorcycles entered the city.
In the continuation of this process, Bukan witnessed the deployment of government armed forces, and prefabricated concrete parts were collected in the streets of the city. It is worth noting that on Thursday, September 14, a young athlete from the city, Milad Mostafavi, was arrested by the Iranian authorities. The city of Piranshahr is also experiencing a heavy presence of government forces, and they are trying to intimidate the citizens.
Furthermore, in Sanandaj, the government's armed forces held a military parade. Videos captured their deployment in neighborhoods like Molavi Town, Hassanabad, and notably, Iqbal Square (Azadi). On Friday, numerous repressive forces patrolled the neighborhoods of Hassanabad and Molavi Town in Sanandaj, instilling an atmosphere of fear.
The government forces in Bijar set up barricades on the roads to stop and preempt any potential protests. Additionally, in Marivan on Friday, September 15, a substantial number of government forces along with military equipment were stationed in Bisarani Square within the city.
On Tuesday, September 12, in Ilam province, Iranian armed forces imposed intimidation in the cities of this province. Notably, in Abdanan, the presence of armed patrols and checkpoints has been reported.
Earlier, the Hengaw Organization, quoting a source, stated that a large number of armed forces vehicles entered these cities, especially Abdanan. The armed forces patrolled and established checkpoints.
On Wednesday, September 13, a military convoy, including three special riot unit vehicles and a minibus, was deployed from the Ilam police command center to the Sarableh. They were stationed in the student dormitory building of the Relief Committee of the city.
Once again, at 24 hours away from the anniversary of the beginning of the 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadi' movement, the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights emphasizes that the current situation in various cities in Kurdistan fully corresponds to what is likened to a state of war and warns of large-scale repression of Kurdish people in the coming days.
