Two Kurdish environmental activists arrested in Mahabad, whereabouts remain unknown

Hengaw: Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Two Kurdish environmental activists from the city of Mahabad, identified as Zagros Rasouli and Mohammad Ramezani, have been violently arrested by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this city and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, early on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Mohammad Ramezani, a 30-year-old mountaineer and environmental activist from Mahabad, was arrested at his home by IRGC intelligence forces. The arrest involved severe physical assault and was conducted without presenting an arrest warrant. He was subsequently taken to an undisclosed location.

According to informed sources, approximately ten vehicles carrying intelligence officers stormed the individual’s residence, violently arresting him.

On the same day, 31-year-old Zagros Rasouli, another environmental activist from Mahabad, was arrested by Iranian security forces at his workplace.

Sources familiar with the matter report that the families of the two individuals have made repeated efforts to obtain information regarding their fate and current condition, but their inquiries have been unsuccessful. The relevant authorities have refrained from providing any response.

As of the time of this report, no specific information is available regarding the reasons for the arrests, or the charges against them.