Bukan: Kurdish language teacher Smko Yousefi arrested, whereabouts still unknown

Hengaw – Monday, May 26, 2025

Smko Yousefi, also known as Smko Salamat—a writer, poet, civil activist, and Kurdish language instructor from Bukan—has been arrested by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.

According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on Monday, May 26, 2025, Yousefi was arrested during a violent raid on his home in Bukan by intelligence agents. He is known for his environmental and civil activism, as well as his work teaching the Kurdish language.

Informed sources reported that the agents entered the residence without presenting a search warrant, used excessive force during the arrest, and conducted a full search of the home. Mobile phones belonging to Yousefi, his wife, and their children were also confiscated.

Yousefi is a core member of Jînbânan, a local environmental organization based in Bukan.

Following his arrest, he was transferred to an undisclosed location. As of the time of this report, no information has been released regarding his place of detention or the charges brought against him.