Iran arrests photographer and environmental activist Shirko Kanisanani

Hengaw – Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Iranian government forces have arrested Shirko Kanisanani, a Kurdish photographer and environmental activist from Marivan and a member of the Sabz Chia Association, transferring him to an undisclosed location.

Information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights indicates that the arrest took place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, shortly after Kanisanani returned from an environmental activists’ gathering known as the “Zagrosaneh Campaign.”

According to informed sources, the event had been held in the village of Ney, a rural area of Marivan County. Kanisanani was detained while inside a café, without the presentation of a warrant.

The Zagrosaneh Campaign is an annual environmental initiative organized by grassroots civil groups, including the Sabz Chia Association. It aims to raise public awareness and promote the protection of the Zagros ecosystem amid growing threats such as deliberate forest fires, land-use changes, mining expansion, dam construction, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. The campaign is held with broad voluntary participation from local communities.

No precise information is available regarding the reasons for Kanisanani’s arrest, his place of detention, or his current condition.