Writer and Translator Loghman Ghanbari Arrested by Security Forces in Sarpol-e Zahab

Loghman Ghanbari, a writer and translator, was arrested at his residence in Sarpol-e Zahab, Kermanshah province, by security forces on April 7, 2024, as reported by Kurdpa.

Around 20 IRGC Intelligence agents conducted a search of his residence and seized some of his belongings.

Ghanbari, known for translating the book “The Kurds in a Volatile Middle East,” published in Sweden after Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance denied a license, was accused of “association with Israel” based on his correspondence with the book’s author, Ofra Bengio.

After a day of interrogation, Ghanbari was released upon signing a written commitment.

Four Yarsan Followers Detained in Kermanshah Province

Today, on November 10, security forces arrested four followers of Yarsanism—Seyed-Amin Abbasi, Kheirollah Haghjooyan, Pakzad Taheri, and Noshad Taheri. The location of their detention remains undisclosed.

Sources indicate that these individuals were apprehended at a police checkpoint on the road connecting Sarpol-e Zahab to Kermanshah. The reasons behind their arrests, their current whereabouts, and the allegations against them remain unknown.

It’s worth noting that Abbasi, Noshad Taheri, and Haghjooyan have a history of previous arrests and judicial confrontations.

Yarsanism, also known as Ahl-e Haqq, is a syncretic religion founded by Sultan Sahak in the late 14th century in western Iran. As a religious minority, Yarsan followers often face intimidation and prosecution by the regime’s security and judicial systems. The community’s rights and freedoms have been a subject of concern, reflecting broader challenges faced by religious minorities in the region.

Sunni prisoner Fereidoun Zakeri Nasab Went on Hunger Strike in Rajai Shahr Prison

Fereidoun Zakeri Nasab is on the third day of his hunger strike in Rajai Shahr Prison in protest against the Tehran Prosecutor-General’s insulting statements against Sunni prisoners.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on July 4, 2022, Sunni prisoner, Fereidoun Zakeri Nasab went on hunger strike.  

An informed source confirmed Zakeri Nasab’s hunger strike to HRANA.

Last Thursday, the Prosecutor-General of Tehran Ali Salehi made a visit to Rajai Shahr Prison. During the conversation with Sunni prisoners, he used insulting statements against the prisoners and Iran’s Sunni community. In protest, three Sunni prisoners, including Fereidoun Zakeri Nasab went on a hunger strike.

Also in May of this year, Zakeri Nasab started a hunger strike to protest against infringement in due process, which he later ended after receiving word from the authorities that the conditions would improve.

In 2017, Zakeri Nasab was arrested and sentenced to death on the charge of “spreading corruption on earth”. This verdict was revoked by the Supreme Court of Iran and he is currently facing the charge of “assisting in the armed assault”. 

Zakeri Nasab is a resident of Sarpol-e Zahab in Kermanshah Province.  

In Iran’s prisons, hunger strikes are common among prisoners despite their physical and mental impairments. Hunger strikes are used as a last resort for protesting unlawful detention without trials, violations of prisoners’ rights and infringement on due process.