These reports also document cases involving arbitrary detention, torture, and politically motivated prosecutions.
- Paiaam Mesree
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Intensified Political Repression and Growing Risks for Kurdish Political Activists in the Islamic Republic of Iran (2025–2026)
Introduction
Reports published during 2025 and 2026 by international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and United Nations Special Rapporteurs, indicate that Kurdish political, civil, and human rights activists in Iran continue to face severe security pressure, arbitrary detention, torture, and the risk of harsh judicial sentences.
In addition to the restrictions faced by many Iranian citizens, Kurds in Iran are often subjected to increased surveillance and pressure due to their ethnic identity and political or civil activities.
Arrests and Pressure on Kurdish Activists
Human rights reports show that Kurdish political activists, journalists, human rights defenders, cultural activists, and relatives of Kurdish opposition party members are among the groups most frequently targeted by security forces.
In many documented cases:
Arrests have been carried out without judicial warrants.
Access to independent legal counsel has been restricted.
Detainees have been subjected to prolonged interrogations and psychological pressure.
Family members of detainees have also faced intimidation and harassment.
Torture and Violations of Fair Trial Rights
According to reports from international human rights organizations, some cases involving Kurdish activists have included allegations of torture, forced confessions, and denial of fundamental legal rights.
The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern regarding the use of coerced confessions and non-transparent judicial proceedings in security-related cases. These concerns are particularly significant in cases involving political and ethnic minority activists.
Executions and Harsh Sentences Against Kurds
Human rights organizations have repeatedly stated that ethnic minorities, particularly Kurds and Baluchis, are disproportionately affected by harsh judicial penalties, including the death penalty.
In recent years, a significant number of Kurdish prisoners have faced severe punishments under charges such as "acting against national security," "armed rebellion (Baghi)," or "cooperation with opposition groups." Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency and due process in these cases.
Kurdish Political Parties and Cross-Border Pressure
Iranian Kurdish political parties, including the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) and Komala, have long been subjected to pressure from the Iranian authorities.
In recent years, missile and drone attacks against positions associated with these groups in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have been reported. These actions have affected not only party members but also their families and associates, raising serious concerns about the security of Kurdish political activists.
Documented Concerns Raised by International Human Rights Organizations
1. Amnesty International: Disproportionate Impact on Kurds
Amnesty International has reported that the use of the death penalty in Iran disproportionately affects marginalized ethnic minorities, including Kurds. The organization has specifically highlighted cases involving Kurdish activists such as Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Moradi, both of whom have faced death sentences.
2. The Case of Pakhshan Azizi
Amnesty International reported that Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish humanitarian worker and activist, was sentenced to death following what the organization described as an unfair trial. According to the report, she was held in prolonged solitary confinement, denied adequate access to legal representation, and her allegations of torture and forced confessions were not properly investigated.
3. United Nations Reports on Ethnic Minority Executions
Reports submitted to the United Nations have indicated that a significant number of individuals executed in Iran belong to ethnic minority communities, including dozens of Kurdish citizens.
These reports also document cases involving arbitrary detention, torture, and politically motivated prosecutions.
4. Use of the Death Penalty as a Tool of Repression
Amnesty International has repeatedly stated that, following the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests, Iranian authorities have increasingly used the death penalty as a means of intimidation and political repression against dissidents and protesters.
5. Concerns Regarding Torture and Forced Confessions
Recent reports have documented cases of torture, prolonged solitary confinement, forced confessions, and mistreatment of political prisoners in Iran, including allegations involving Kurdish activists.
Conclusion and Personal Statement
As a Kurd and as someone who closely follows issues related to human rights, freedom of expression, and political developments in Iran, I am deeply concerned about the situation of Kurdish political activists.
Reports published by international organizations indicate that Kurdish political and civil activists face a significant risk of arbitrary arrest, torture, unfair trials, and, in some cases, severe punishments including the death penalty.
In my view, the protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful political activity must be guaranteed for all citizens regardless of their ethnicity or political beliefs. Remaining silent in the face of these violations means ignoring fundamental principles of human dignity and justice.
Paiaam Mesree
4 June 2026
References :
References
* Amnesty International, Iran: Over 1,000 people executed as authorities step up horrifying assault on right to life (2025).
* Amnesty International, Death Sentences and Executions 2025 (2026).
* Amnesty International, Death Penalty Facts and Figures 2025 (2026).
* UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran (2025).
* Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
* The Guardian, Reports of torture and deaths in Iranian prisons (2026).
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