Four Kurds arrested in Ilam Province; fate unknown

Hengaw – Sunday, February 1, 2026

Iranian government forces have arbitrarily arrested at least four Kurds from Ilam Province in recent weeks. Their identities have been verified as Saber Basati, Noureddin Chalanger, Faraj Arsan, and Ilyas Javanmard.

According to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Noureddin Chalanger, 30, a resident of Chardavol County, was arrested by government forces on January 26, 2026.

Earlier, Ilyas Javanmard, a resident of Lumar, was detained on January 19. More than two weeks later, no information has been released regarding his fate.

Faraj Arsan, a civil and environmental activist from Malekshahi, was arrested by government forces on January 10. He had previously been detained on April 3, 2024, in connection with participation in Newroz ceremonies.

Saber Basati, 38, originally from Ilam and residing in Karaj, was arrested on January 9 at his home and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Authorities have provided no details regarding the charges, place of detention, or condition of any of the four detainees.