Hengaw report – General strike across Kurdistan marks fourth anniversary of Jina Amini’s killing

Hengaw – Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Businesses and shopkeepers across Kurdistan went on strike on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, marking the fourth anniversary of the state killing of Jina Amini by Iranian security forces. The action followed a call for a general strike by the Alliance of Iranian Kurdistan Political Parties.

Based on videos, reports received, and information verified through Hengaw Organization for Human Rights’ sources on the ground, strikes were confirmed in at least 11 cities.

In Saqqez, Jina Amini’s hometown, businesses observed a complete strike despite a heavy security presence, with only bakeries and pharmacies remaining open.

The strike was also widely observed in Sanandaj (Sine), Divandarreh, Mahabad, Bukan, and Oshnavieh, where Hengaw estimated participation in the strike among businesses at between 50% and 70%.

In Qorveh, Bijar, Marivan, Kamyaran, and Piranshahr, sections of local markets and businesses also joined the strike, with participation in the strike estimated at between 30% and 40%.

The strike came after security agencies spent three days summoning civil society activists and business owners and warning them against participating. At least 10 Kurdish individuals were arrested in recent days in connection with the strike in Oshnavieh, Mahabad, and Sanandaj.

Since Tuesday, Iranian security forces equipped with semi-heavy weapons have been deployed in central areas of several cities, including Saqqez, Divandarreh, Sanandaj, and Marivan, creating a heavily militarized environment.

Intimidation, coercive summonses, the militarization of urban areas, and arbitrary arrests aimed at preventing people from exercising their rights to peaceful protest and strike constitute a clear repression of fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful assembly and strike under Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.