Takab; Protests against the lack of employment opportunities for locals at the Aghdare gold mine and the injury of three citizens by direct fire from Iranian government forces

Hengaw; Monday, July 31, 2023

Three protesting citizens from Takab city, named Naser Bahramian, Hojjat Momenzadeh, and Armin Nikzad, were seriously injured by direct fire from Iranian government forces. This shooting took place after a protest rally against the non-employment of local people at the Aghdare gold mine.
 

According to the report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, On Sunday, July 30, 2023, Naser Bahramian, Hojjat Momenzadeh, and Armin Nikzad, three Kurdish citizens protesting from Aghdare village in Takab city, were shot by Iranian police and special forces during a protest against the lack of local employment opportunities at the village's gold mine.
 

According to reliable sources, Naser Bahramian sustained injuries in the testicles, Hojjat Momenzadeh in the chest area, and Armin Nikzad in the shoulder. They were subsequently transferred to "Khomeini" Hospital in Urmia and medical centers in Zanjan for treatment.
 

According to the videos received by Hengaw, following the conflict between the residents of Aghdare village and the officials and staff present in the village's mine, Iranian government forces were dispatched from Mahabad to suppress the protesters.
 

In this regard, in May 2016, 17 workers who were fired from the Aghdare mine were charged with disturbing public order and subsequently sentenced to fines, imprisonment, and corporal punishment of 30 to 100 lashes.