Five Individuals Arrested in Mahabad

On August 16, 2022, security forces arrested five individuals in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province, and transferred them to an unidentified location.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Kurdpa, on August 16, 2022, security forces arrested Amir Bayazidi Azar, Shahram Bayazidi Azar, Kambiz Bayazidi Azar, Chia Pirzad and Jalal Mahmoudi.

All these individuals are residents of the village Geok Tepe located in Mahabad County.

At the time of arrest, the agents searched their house and arrested them without showing any arrest and search warrant.

Last year, Amir Bayazidi Azar was arrested and sentenced to three months in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” He was released from jail on January 1, 2022, after serving out his sentence.  

Amir Bayazidi Azar and Ghasem Azizian Summoned and Sent to Prison to Endure Their Sentences

Amir Bayazidi Azar and Ghasem Azizian, both of Mahabad City, were summoned to Mahabad Prison this past week to serve their respective sentences. Azar left on Saturday to begin a three month sentence, while Azizan left Monday to serve a 28 month sentence.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Kurdpa, both men had previously been tried and sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Mahabad, and both verdicts were upheld on appeal.

Azar was arrested by security forces on January 16, 2021. After being held for three days in the detention centre of the Ministry of Intelligence, he was relocated to Mahabad prison. On February 7, 2021, he was released on bail. Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three months in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime”.

Similarly, Azizian was arrested by security forces on May 21, 2021. After interrogation, he was transferred to Mahabad prison. On July 19, 2021, he was released on bail. Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 28 months in prison on charges of “membership in an opposing political party”.