Detentions and arrests have increased in Eastern Kurdistan before the anniversary of the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom) uprising.

According to Eastern Kurdistan media, the Iranian judiciary sentenced two disabled brothers, Abdullah Qenberi Wend (51) and Mahmoud Qenberi Wend (48), to 6 years and 7 months in prison in Pîranşar on 9 September.  The brothers are reportedly being held in Nexed Central Prison.

It is reported that Iranian forces detained the two brothers on 28 December 2022 during the ‘Jin Jiyan Azadî’ protests in Pîranşar. The brothers were tortured and imprisoned.

On Monday, a young man named Rashid Edwayî was detained in Silênî village in Sewlawa district. No reason was given for the detention. The whereabouts and fate of the detained man is unknown. Since 8 September, at least 7 people have been arbitrarily detained in Eastern Kurdistan.

The detentions coincide with the anniversary of the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ uprising. In October 2022, an unprecedented uprising began after the young Kurdish woman Jina Amini was detained and murdered by the morality police.

Iranian forces massacred hundreds of people and arrested thousands during the course of the uprising. Many people were also executed. Human rights organisations state that the Iranian state is using the death penalty to suppress public reaction.