Iran arrests dozens of restive Kurds

Iran Focus:

Iran’s security forces have arrested dozens of Kurds in the town of Bukan, northwest Iran, in clashes that have been going on for three days, residents said.

Two of those arrested are believed to be Hassan Amanollah and Kamal Parvizian, according to residents who were reached by telephone.

At least 13 individuals have also been detained in the nearby town of Marivan for taking part in anti-government demonstrations during the same period, witnesses said. READ MORE

Separately, the opposition radio Voice of Iranian Kurdistan reported today that on Friday, the security forces raided a wedding in Marivan and arrested a group of some 30 people whom they suspected of involvement in recent demonstrations.

Last Sunday, agents of the State Security Forces opened fire on Shovan Qaderi and two of his friends in the town of Mahabad. The security forces then tied Qaderi’s body to a Toyota jeep and dragged him in the streets, according to eye-witnesses.

Since then, several hundred people in Mahabad have been arrested during numerous hit-and-run clashes and house-to-house raids.

On Friday evening several thousand residents, mainly youths, gathered near Estghlal Square, chanting anti-government slogans and burning tyres. There were chants of “Death to Khamenei”, referring to the clerical state’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as chants of “Shovan, we will continue your struggle”. The demonstration was met with swift and fierce retribution by anti-riot forces already stationed there to prevent a re-emergence of dissent. The SSF fired live rounds and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several protestors, including a child, were gravely wounded. An SSF vehicle was set on fire during the ensuing clashes with security forces.

Anti-government demonstrations and major unrest have also taken place in the nearby towns of Bonab, Sanandaj, Orumieh, Naqdeh, and Miandoab, according to witnesses.