Iran Arrests Kurdish Singer Bardin Jafari for Revolutionary Songs in Nawroz
Hengaw: Saturday, May 4, 2024
In the wake of widespread arrests of Kurdish individuals participating in Nawroz celebrations across various cities, from Abdanan in Ilam to Oshnovieh (Shino) in West Azerbaijan (Urmia) province, Kurdish singer Bardin Jafari, also known as Hamzeh Jafari, was apprehended by the Intelligence forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Gilan-e Gharb city.
According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights on Friday, May 3, 2024, IRGC intelligence operatives raided the residence of Hamzeb Jafari, known professionally as "Bardin Jafari," a Kurdish singer and civil activist from Gilan-e Gharb in the Kermanshah province, and took him into custody.
An informed source disclosed to Hengaw that the IRGC intelligence forces, donning masks and armed, scaled the walls of the house without judicial authorization, instilling an atmosphere of terror.
Bardin Jafari had performed several revolutionary songs, including "Payer Bemini Kurdstanehgam" (Rise proud, my Kurdistan), during the Nawroz ceremony in Gilan-e Gharb, defying security threats. The event attracted over 30,000 attendees.
Previously, Jafari had released Kurdish songs on occasions such as International Women's Day, International Mother Language Day, Nawroz, and in support of the Afrin resistance.
It is noteworthy that besides his musical activism, Bardin Jafari has been actively involved in civil initiatives, prominently contributing to fundraising efforts for those affected by the Sarpol-e Zahab earthquake and the Lorestan flood.
This incident adds to a growing number of arrests by Iranian security institutions, with at least 32 Kurdish individuals detained over the past month for their involvement in Nawroz ceremonies in cities including Karzan, Abdanan, Malekshahi, Ilam, Gilan-e Gharib, Bukan, Sanandaj, Piranshahr, Miandoab, and Oshnovieh. Additionally, hundreds of others have been summoned for interrogation.
