Security Situation in Bolbanabad After Protests: Confirmation of Several Arrested Protesters

Hengaw: Monday, September 2, 2024

Following three days of protests by residents of Bolbanabad city in Kurdistan (Sanandaj) province against the traffic of heavy mining machinery and the resulting road destruction, Iranian security forces, including special forces, arrested and beat dozens of protesters last night. Among the arrested individuals are Jamil Mohammadi (farmer), Shadman Mohammadi (teacher), Foad Mohammadi (member of the Bolbanabad Council), Mohammad Mohammadi, Maysam Haji Majid, an individual named Samir (surname unknown), and two others with the last name “Bagheri” from Serenjianeh.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on the evening of Sunday, September 1, 2024, these residents, along with more than 20 others, were detained by security forces. The detainees were transferred from the Bolbanabad police station in Dehgolan to Qorveh Central Prison on the morning of September 2.

Hengaw sources in Bolbanabad report that over 10 protesters were severely beaten by the security forces during the protests, with some in critical condition.

The protests erupted after promises made by officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran to prevent the movement of heavy machinery from the iron ore mines through Bolbanabad were not fulfilled. Last night, these vehicles once again traveled from Bolbanabad to Dehgolan, prompting action by the residents to stop them.

According to local residents, the head of the Maimonabad mine, identified as "Sarikhani" from Isfahan, threatened the protesters, saying, "I will buy all of Bolbanabad and make the protesters miserable."

Witnesses have reported that since last night, Bolbanabad schools have been repurposed as accommodation and gathering places for special forces, who are expected to remain stationed there for an indefinite period.

The crackdown by security forces occurred after two iron ore transport machines from the Maimonabad mine were set on fire. According to Bolbanabad residents, this incident was an "organized action" by the mine owners and their associates to create a pretext for suppressing the protests.