Urmia Central Prison: Solmaz Hassan Zadeh, Sister of Slain Kurdish Protester, Goes on Hunger Strike in Solitary Confinement

Hengaw: Monday, August 12, 2024

Solmaz Hassan Zadeh, sister of the slain protestor Mohammad Hassan Zadeh, was arrested about two weeks ago along with her father, Ahmad Hassan Zadeh, by Iranian security forces in Bukan, on her brother's birthday. She has gone on a hunger strike in solitary confinement at Central Urmia Prison. Her brother, Mohammad Hassan Zadeh—is one of the protestors slain during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Solmaz Hassan Zadeh began her hunger strike on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in protest against continued uncertainty about her situation and denial of her right to visit with her family. She has been in solitary confinement at Central Urmia Prison since her transfer there on the morning of Wednesday, July 31, 2024, and has not been moved to the general ward. Additionally, she has been denied access to legal representation and visits with her relatives.

Solmaz Hassan Zadeh, along with her father Ahmad Hassan Zadeh, was violently arrested on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, during a raid by Iranian intelligence forces on their home without any judicial warrant. Daya Azimeh, the mother of Mohammad Hassan Zadeh, was also severely beaten by these forces and was transferred to Dr. Qolipour Hospital in Bukan due to her injuries.

Ahmad Hassan Zadeh, the justice-seeking father of Mohammad Hassan Zadeh, who was detained in Bukan Central Prison, was released on bail on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

These two members of the grieving  families were previously arrested on September 5, 2023. Solmaz Hassan Zadeh had also been arrested earlier on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, along with three of her friends on the Bukan-Saqqez road.