Iran Arrests Kurdish Journalist, Fardin Mostafaei

Hengaw; Thursday, September 19, 2024

Fardin Mostafaei, a Kurdish journalist from Saqqez, the manager of the Telegram channel "Saqqez Rudaw," and a member of the International Federation of Journalists, was arrested by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Fardin Mostafaei, 39, was detained by intelligence forces at a café on the Baneh road. Following his arrest, he was transferred to an undisclosed location.

This is not the first time Mostafaei has faced pressure from authorities. In November 2023, he was summoned by the cyber police (FATA) in Saqqez for sharing news about local issues on his Telegram channel. He was questioned over accusations of "spreading false information and disturbing public opinion," based on a complaint filed by the Saqqez governor.

As of this report, there are no further details regarding the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, or his current location. However, Hengaw has learned that this incident may be part of a broader campaign of increased pressure on Saqqez journalists, led by the city’s governor, Jafar Tavan.