Fatwa Against Newroz: the Friday Imam of Mariwan threatens Kurds with repression and violence

Hengaw: Friday, April 4, 2025

Mustafa Sherzadi, the Friday Imam appointed by Ali Khamenei in Mariwan, has issued threats of extrajudicial and violent action (fatwa) against Kurds, particularly the residents of the village of “Ney,” for celebrating Newroz. Shirzadi, who previously played a key role in the execution of Kurdish political prisoners Zaniar and Loghman Moradi, has once again encouraged violent repression.

According to reports received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Mustafa Sherzadi, known as a security-religious figure of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mariwan, warned young people against holding Newroz celebrations and incited groups called the “Religious Honor Forces” to attack and suppress Kurds.

Fatwa for violence against Newroz: Evidence of threats by the Friday Imam of Mariwan

Based on an audio file obtained by Hengaw, Sherzadi made derogatory remarks during his Friday sermon on March 28, 2025, directly insulting the youth of Mariwan, particularly those organizing Newroz celebrations in the village of “Ney.” He is known for his support of extremist Salafi groups and close cooperation with the security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In his threats, he stated:
“Muslims must crush the teeth of these people (Newroz organizers) with their boots and send them all to prison.”

Newroz in Mariwan: Resistance against government suppression

The Newroz celebrations in “Ney” Mariwan are traditionally attended by large crowds and feature performances of resistance songs. Despite heavy security pressure this year, authorities failed to prevent the event. However, in the days leading up to the festival, at least seven Kurdish activists from this village were arrested by the Intelligence Agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran:
    •    Aram Nikpey
    •    Mohammad Nikpey (two cousins with the same name)
    •    Mohammad Eshtak
    •    Keyvan Minouei
    •    Keyhan Tadbiri (17 years old)
    •    Kaveh Dastan

Dozens of other people were summoned, interrogated, and threatened.

Mustafa Sherzadi’s role in the execution of Zaniar and Loghman Moradi

In 2009, Mustafa Sherzadi played a pivotal role in the execution of Zaniar and Loghman Moradi, collaborating with the security apparatus of the Islamic Republic of Iran to seek revenge for the killing of his son by unknown individuals.

The trial process for these two political prisoners was entirely non-transparent and unjust. Lawyer Saleh Nikbakht stated:
“At the very least, I can say that Zaniar and Loghman Moradi’s involvement in the murder was never proven in Tehran’s Criminal Court, as no proper trial was held.”

Due to Sherzadi’s persistence and pressure, Zaniar Moradi, his cousin Loghman Moradi, and fellow Kurdish political prisoner Ramin Hossein Panahi were executed on September 8, 2018, in Raja’i Shahr Prison, Karaj.

Newroz and systematic threats by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Kurds

This is not the first time that Friday Imams appointed by Khamenei have threatened Kurdish people for celebrating their culture and identity. Previously, Allah-Noor Karimi-Tabar, the Friday Imam of Ilam, described Newroz as conflicting with the state’s ideology and accused it of being orchestrated by so-called “enemies.”

Hengaw strongly condemns Mustafa Sherzadi’s threats against Kurds and considers his remarks a clear incitement to violence and crime.

Threatening civilians with violent repression simply for celebrating Newroz is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and cultural freedoms.

Experience has shown that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s security policies against Kurds and other oppressed groups have always been supported by the state’s religious authorities.

Hengaw urges the international community, human rights organizations, and independent media to pay closer attention to the systematic threats against Kurds, especially during cultural celebrations.