Iranian forces kill Mohammad Rashidi, injure three at Saqqez gold mine protest

Hengaw – Monday, September 15, 2025

Security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran opened fire on protesters opposing the continuation of the “Qolqoleh” gold mine project in Saqqez, killing Mohammad Rashidi and seriously injuring three other residents identified as Mohammad Amin Rashidi, Ramyar Rashidi, and Hemin Rashidi. Telephone lines in the area have been disrupted.

According to information obtained by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, government forces shot and killed Mohammad Rashidi on the afternoon of Monday, September 15, 2025, in Pir Omran village. Three other protesters from the same village — his relatives Mohammad Amin, Ramyar, and Hemin Rashidi — were wounded.

A source familiar with the situation told Hengaw that Rashidi’s body was transferred to Baneh Hospital, where the injured are also receiving medical treatment and remain in critical condition.

The source added that telephone lines in the area have been deliberately cut, and there are concerns that larger protests could break out in Saqqez.

Meanwhile, Salah al-Din Ayyubi Hospital in Baneh has been surrounded by a large number of security forces, and visitors are being denied access.

The continuation of the Qolqoleh gold mine project comes despite several protest gatherings against it. Environmental activists and farmers affected by the mine have repeatedly signed petitions calling for its suspension and submitted them to government bodies.