In a concerning prelude to International Women’s Day, security services in Sanandaj, located in Kurdistan Province, have issued threats to women’s rights and labour activists. Specifically, renowned activists Bahar Zangiband, Simin Chaychi, and Sorayya Khedri faced interrogation by the Intelligence Branch of the Law Enforcement Forces on 6 March. They were pressured regarding their activities and coerced into abstaining from Women’s Day gatherings, only being released upon signing a pledge.
Additionally, at least five labour activists, including Khabat Dehdar and Jamal Asadi, received alarming phone threats from the Ministry of Intelligence. They were explicitly warned against organising or participating in any events on 8 March, highlighting the oppressive climate against activism. Reports indicate these intimidations were instigated by city prosecutor Mohammad Jabbari.
The activists are no strangers to persecution. Zangiband and Khedri had previously been detained during the Women, Life, Freedom uprising in late September 2022, spending weeks behind bars before release on bail. Khedri faced further challenges, losing her teaching position at Islamic Azad University under dubious security allegations. Chaychi, an accomplished poet, has similarly faced repeated summons and detentions over her advocacy work.
Kurdish activists, including Bahar Zangiband, Simin Chaychi, and Sorayya Khedri, have faced threats and interrogation from security services in Sanandaj as they prepare for International Women’s Day. Activists have been warned against participation in events on 8 March, indicating a broader crackdown on women’s rights activism.
The threats against Kurdish activists ahead of International Women’s Day illustrate the extraordinary lengths to which security forces will go to suppress women’s rights and activism. The oppressive measures enforced reflect a troubling trend that stifles freedom of expression. Events surrounding this day should remind us of the courage of those fighting for equality amidst such adversity.
Original Source: kurdistanhumanrights.org
