Hengaw’s report on government forces' attempts to prevent Newroz celebrations in various cities of Kurdistan

Hengaw: Friday, March 14, 2025

Armed forces of various institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Special Unit, attempted to prevent Newroz celebrations in the cities of Kermanshah (Kermashan), Oshnavieh (Shino), Bukan, and Saqqez by violating the right to freedom of assembly of Kurdish people.

According to reports received by Hengaw, on Friday, March 14, 2025, government forces, armed with heavy machine guns such as DShK, set up checkpoints at the entrance to the village of “Singan” in Oshnavieh to prevent Newroz celebrations.

Additionally, IRGC and police forces set up checkpoints, dispersed gatherings, and stationed themselves in the villages of “Kani Sork” and the “Qalatok” hill to prevent celebrations in “Tachinavi” of Oshnavieh. This eventually led to physical clashes with protesters, during which some government forces were disarmed.

Hengaw had earlier published a video reporting that government suppression forces, armed with heavy weaponry, had taken control of the entry and exit roads of Oshnavieh (Shino) to restrict movement.

In Bukan, IRGC forces blocked people from reaching “Targheh” peak, the designated location for the Newroz celebration, preventing the event from taking place.

Meanwhile, in Saqqez, government forces attempted to stop the Neworz celebration at Mount Jaqal by setting up barricades, soil embankments, and checkpoints. However, despite government drones monitoring the gathering, the event was held with widespread participation.

Similarly, in the Darehderaz neighborhood of Kermanshah (Kermashan), government forces were deployed to prevent the Newroz celebrations. Despite delays and restrictions, the event was eventually held. Footages obtained by Hengaw show Special Unit vehicles patrolling the city in an apparent attempt to intimidate residents.