Kurdish activist detained, accused of 'acting against national security'

KERMANSHAH, Iran (Kurdistan24) – Civil and women’s rights activist Farzane Jalali was arrested in her hometown of Kermanshah on Feb. 23 and has so far been denied visitation.

Jalali, who is known for her activism in defending women and children, was summoned to her local notary office but was arrested upon arriving at the government building.

After being taken by force, her house was also searched by Iranian security forces.

After days in limbo, Jalali’s family were told she was suspected of “acting against national security.”

Moreover, the family has been denied the right to visit Jalali, and no lawyer has been assigned to her case yet.

A family member of Jalali told media on Monday the lawyer her family wished to hire had not been accepted by the Iranian government and their application was pending approval.

Although Jalali was accused of acting against national security, no proof has been provided so far.

The activist remains detained by the intelligence agency of Kermanshah Province, a Kurdish-majority province in the northwest of Iran.

Her family claims they are unsure about her health and her condition.

A student at the graduate school of Tehran University, Jalali was expelled because of her political activities.

She has written about women’s rights and has been active in raising awareness about Kulbar. 

Currently, 908 political prisoners are held at 192 facilities across Iran, a disproportionate number of whom are Kurds.

Although Kurds make up 10 to 13 percent of the Iranian population, they are often the largest group of political prisoners.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany