Diako Akosh Al-Balaghi, Injured Protester, Forced to Leave Iran Due to Security Pressures

Hengaw: Monday, December 11, 2023

Diako Akosh Al-Balaghi, a Kurdish protester who suffered eye injuries during the Women, Life, Freedom (Jin, Jiyan, Azadi) movement, has been compelled to permanently depart Iran after a year of enduring continuous pressure from security institutions. This 36-year-old individual lost 80% of his vision in his left eye during the Mahabad protests, and the health of his right eye is also in serious jeopardy.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Diako Akosh Al-Balaghi, the 36-year-old protester with eye injuries, recently had to leave Iran for good after facing repeated summonses and pressure from security agencies.

In an interview with Hengaw, the injured protester shared, "On October 11, 2022, during the popular protests in Mahabad, I was severely wounded in the eye area by one of the security forces from a distance of about 60 meters."

Recounting the incident where bullets shattered the glass of his glasses and struck his eye, Diako Akosh Al-Balaghi added, "For two days after the injury, I stayed at home due to the fear of arrest. Eventually, due to the worsening of my condition, I was taken to the Nikukari Eye Hospital in Tabriz. The doctors performed 18 stitches on my left eyelid, and in the end, they were unable to restore my sight."

After being identified by the Intelligence Department forces, this injured protester from the Women, Life, Freedom Movement faced summonses, interrogations, and threats in several instances. He ultimately made the decision to leave Iran in recent days.

Diako Akosh Al-Balaghi, seeking security and a solution for his eye treatment, has called on human rights institutions and organizations to address the situation of the families of the killed, detainees, and victims of the Women, Life, Freedom Movement.