Security arrests 30 Kurds in Rojhilat for organizing Newroz celebrations

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iranian authorities have arrested at least 30 Kurdish activists in Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhilat) for organizing Newroz celebrations in the area to mark the Kurdish New Year, a human rights group reported on Sunday.

“Dozens of others have been called for further questioning and investigation,” Hengaw, an independent human rights group, stated.

It mentioned that people were arrested for organizing special events related to Newroz celebrations.

The rights group also provided the name of arrested activists of which 14 were from Sanandaj (Sine), nine from Mariwan, three from Salmas, two from Ilam, and two more from Bokan and Pawa.

The organization previously reported that four Kurdish people from Indirqash village were arrested in Mahabad on Tuesday under the same pretext.

Every year, Kurds all around the world hold a three-day long celebration for Newroz, starting on March 21. It marks the first day of the Kurdish New Year, which celebrated the year 2718 this time. During Newroz, Kurds light fires as a symbol of freedom from tyranny.

Newroz is one of the more nationalistic events for the Kurds, with growing popularity and festivities that become more and more sophisticated every year.

#Kurdish village Ney in #Mariwan border city! large number of #Iranian security F. attacekd villagers,didn't allowed them 2celebrate #Nawroz ,according 2 latests reports clashes reported btw brave villagers &security forces...#TwitterKurds #Kurdistan #Rojhelat @hrw #HumanRights pic.twitter.com/4emRYxCWfH

— Trouska.Sadeghi (@TruTawar) March 22, 2018

Kurds are regularly a target of repressive tactics by the Iranian government, especially after protests erupted across the country at the end of last year, early 2018. 

Kurdish activists have been jailed for various reasons in Iran, with multiple prisoners being executed for their political views. 

Editing by Nadia Riva