Newroz Celebrations in Kurdistan: At least six Kurds arrested by security forces in Oshnovieh

Hengaw: Monday, March 17, 2025

Six Kurds from Oshnavieh (Shino)—Abubakr Khatami, Hamzeh Zibakalam, Hadi Jamei, Sami Khezri, Masoud Khezri, and Matin Choupani—have been arrested by the Intelligence Department in connection with Newroz celebrations and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Matin Choupani (20 years old), Abubakr Khatami (47 years old), and Hadi Jamei (48 years old) were arrested in Oshnavieh.

The arrests of Abubakr Khatami and Hadi Jamei were carried out violently by IRGC Intelligence forces at their workplaces, while Matin Choupani was arrested at his family home.

On the evening of Saturday, March 15, 2025, three more people—Sami Khezri and Masoud Khezri from the village of Shavaneh, and Hamzeh Zibakalam from Oshnavieh—were also arrested.

Details indicate that Masoud Khezri was detained at the Nelivan checkpoint in Oshnavieh by intelligence forces.

All six people were arrested due to their participation and activities in Newroz celebrations in Oshnavieh.

After their detention, Abubakr Khatami, Hamzeh Zibakalam, Hadi Jamei, Sami Khezri, Masoud Khezri, and Matin Choupani were taken to an undisclosed location, and there is currently no information about their whereabouts or condition.