Kurdish women’s rights and cultural activist Mahsa Zarei arrested in Kermanshah

Hengaw - Sunday, May 25, 2025

Mahsa Zarei, a prominent Kurdish civil and cultural activist, also active in the field of women’s rights in Kermanshah (Kermashan), has been arrested by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.

According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, intelligence agents raided Zarei’s family home and arrested her without presenting an arrest warrant. She was then transferred to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family reported that the agents created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation during the arrest.

Zarei had previously been summoned and interrogated multiple times by intelligence authorities in recent months, particularly around the time of Newroz celebrations earlier this year.

No official information has been released regarding the reasons for her arrest or any charges filed against her. Her family’s efforts to obtain clarification have so far been unsuccessful.