Detention of Seven Kurdish Residents in Takab Protesting Mining Effects

Hengaw: Monday, October 9, 2023

Seven Kurdish individuals, Ali Baradaran, Ali Sarvi, Arif Zamani, Amin Ghahrami, Maarouf Salemi, Zahid Majnouni, and Mehdi Majnouni, have been detained by security forces following their protest against mining operations in Takab.
 

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, these seven residents of Ahmedabad village in the Takab city district were arrested for protesting against a nearby mine's activities and their adverse environmental effects.
 

The source of drinking water for this village and neighboring villages is located in close proximity to this mining area. Ahmedabad residents stated that this vital resource will be completely depleted due to ongoing mining operations.
 

The mine, situated in the vicinity of a historical monument, is an integral part of this village's cultural heritage. The mine's operational license was obtained through a corrupt administrative process, according to statements by the protesting villager.
 

Hengaw has learned that Ali Baradaran, Ali Sarvi, Arif Zamani, Amin Ghahrami, Maarouf Salemi, Zahid Majnouni, and Mehdi Majnouni were transported to Miandoab prison following their arrest by security forces. One of these detainees reportedly has a critical health condition due to an underlying heart disease.
 

Over the years, unregulated exploitation of construction and decorative stone mines, gravel, sand, and soil in Takab, regardless of the area's natural conditions, has led to numerous protests by residents and, in some cases, even by local authorities.