Following the widespread and remarkable general strike of the people of Kurdistan on January 22, 2025, the Islamic Republic regime has arrested numerous labor, social, environmental activists, and shopkeepers in various cities of Kurdistan and transferred them to unknown locations. Several others have also been summoned for interrogation by security institutions. The names and places of residence of some of these detainees, as reported to Kolbarnews, are as follows:
Qorveh: Zahid Khalidian, Vahid Khalidian.
Marivan: Karu Alidad.
Sanandaj: Rafiq Karimi, Kamal Akhreti, Jalil Mohammadi, Hersh Zandi-Nawgaran, Amjad Geryakhiz, Naeem Dousti, Mohammad Seyfpanahi, Sina Rezaei, Mohammad Atlasi, Omid Mohammadi.
Dehgolan: Sohaila Mataei.
Saqqez: Nariman Zandi, Milad Zandi, Amjad Salehzadeh.
These individuals have been arrested arbitrarily, without judicial warrants, and often with violence by security agents. The regime’s agents refuse to provide any explanation to the detainees’ families about the reasons for the arrests or the detainees’ whereabouts.
These arrests come amid a broader crackdown, with nearly 100 civil and political activists detained under various pretexts over the past two months. For instance, in Sanandaj alone, nine activists were summoned to court for participating in the funeral of a prominent activist mother. In Mahabad, 11 individuals were arrested in a late night raid.
The Islamic Republic, unable to tolerate the unity and steadfast determination of the people of Kurdistan exemplified in the successful general strike on Wednesday seeks to retaliate against the brave and justice-seeking populace through suppression and intimidation. However, history and the resilience of the Kurdish people have shown repeatedly that no level of repression can suppress collective will during critical moments. The regime’s attempts to undermine the freedom struggle of people demanding basic human rights will ultimately fail.
The unity and solidarity of the Kurdish people are stronger than these desperate measures. The people of Kurdistan deserve freedom, comfort, security, and a peaceful life. The Islamic Republic will inevitably face defeat in the face of this steadfast resolve and resistance.
At a time when the regime is grappling with numerous insurmountable crises, it resorts to such disgraceful actions. Domestically, it faces waves of demands from workers, retirees, nurses, and justice seekers. The regime governs a nation that loathes it and has lost all legitimacy. Internationally, the forces that were meant to ensure its strategic depth are losing relevance, leaving the regime unable to maintain its foothold for survival.
The Islamic Republic cannot quell the wave of public dissatisfaction. The people of Kurdistan have moved beyond this phase, and the regime’s attempts to establish an atmosphere of fear and terror are futile. The disgruntled and outraged populace will not remain silent in the face of this wave of arrests in Kurdistan.
The people of Kurdistan, through a civic act their general strike protested against the unjust issuance of death sentences for individuals whose very detention and imprisonment are criminal and inhumane. We strongly condemn these oppressive actions and demand the unconditional release of all detainees. The regime must not be allowed to continue these arrests unchecked. It is essential that the fight against death sentences, following the remarkable general strike of January 24, continues with strength and public support.
The broad-based “No to Execution” movement can succeed. This victory must be prepared through the unyielding power of freedom-loving and justice-seeking people.
