Kurdish Journalist Pakhshan Azizi Faces "Revolt" Charges, Risking Heavy Sentence

Hengaw; February 11, 2024

Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish journalist, social worker, and former political prisoner, is currently facing serious accusations of "revolt" by the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. These charges carry the potential for severe punishment, including the death penalty.

According to reports received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Pakhshan Azizi, a social work graduate, has been accused of "revolt" and "membership in anti-government groups" by Branch 5 of the Evin Security Prosecutor's Office.

During her 193-day detention, Pakhshan Azizi has been subjected to severe pressure and denied basic rights, including access to legal representation.

Initially held in ward 209 of Evin prison, known as the Intelligence Department's detention center, Pakhshan Azizi was later transferred to the women's ward of Evin prison on December 11, 2023.

Her arrest by Iranian Intelligence forces took place in the Kharazi quarter of Tehran on August 4, 2023. Sources have also reported the arrest of several members of her family, who were subsequently released after a few days.

It's notable that Pakhshan Azizi has a history of activism and had previously been arrested during a protest gathering of Kurdish students at Tehran University on November 16, 2009. Following four months of detention, she was released on bail of 100 million tomans on March 19, 2010.

Due to persistent pressure and threats from Iranian security institutions, Pakhshan Azizi later left Iran. She dedicated herself to researching and improving the situation of women in Iraqi Kurdistan and Syrian Kurdistan through social work initiatives.

The current accusations against Pakhshan Azizi highlight the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and activists in Iran and underscore the need for international attention to protect human rights and ensure fair treatment within the judicial system.