General Strike Sweeps Across Kurdistan in Protest of Four Kurdish Political Prisoner Executions
Following the joint call by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights and six
Hengaw: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Following the joint call by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights and six other human rights organizations, residents in at least 12 cities in Kurdistan, including Kermanshah, Sanandaj, Bukan, Ravansar, Mahabad, Divandarreh, Marivan, Dehgolan, Qorveh, Sarvabad, Baneh, and Saqqez, initiated a general strike to protest the execution of four Kurdish political prisoners.
Images and videos received by Hengaw depict widespread participation in the strike on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. The strike serves as both a condemnation of the execution of Mohsen Mazloum, Mohammad Faramarzi, Vafa Azarbar, and Pejman Fatehi and a broader protest against the increasing number of executions of Kurdish individuals.
During the strike, disruptions in telephone and internet services were reported in most cities in Kurdistan. Security forces were deployed in the streets and public areas, with IRGC helicopters patrolling in cities like Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Bukan to create an atmosphere of intimidation.
In addition to marketers, various individuals halted their daily activities in a show of solidarity with the families of the executed political prisoners.
Despite the Iranian authorities not handing over the bodies of the executed prisoners, people expressed their sympathy by attending the homes of the deceased, demonstrating their disapproval of the executions.
Notably, residents of Dehgolan showed solidarity by gathering in front of Mohammad Faramarzi's parents' house.
In Kamyaran, people participated in the funeral ceremony of Pejman Fatehi, another executed political prisoner, showing support outside his uncle's house.
In Bukan and Mahabad, where a general strike took place, residents demonstrated solidarity with the families of Vafa Azarbar and Mohsen Mazloum.
The joint statement by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights and other human rights organizations, along with calls from political parties, prompted widespread participation in the general strike.
