Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN): The Ministry of Intelligence of Iran has warned people against holding celebrations on the eve of the Newroz( Nowruz) in various cities and villages in Kurdistan by summoning or calling a number of Kurdish activists.
Several Kurdish activists, summoned and interrogated by the Intelligence Ministry Office in various cities of Kurdistan, have told KHRN about the pressure and threats of security institutions to prevent holding the Newroz ceremonies this year.
“Last year, despite all the pressures by the security institutions, the annual Newroz ceremonies were held in many cities and villages of Kurdistan. But it was not possible to hold celebrations this year due to the political situation in the region and changes in management of the provincial security institutions. despite the presence of thousands of guests in early March because the authorities did not grant the necessary permission.”
“Over the past few weeks, Several activists have been summoned and questioned about the possibility of holding celebrations on the occasion of Newroz. Some of these activists have been also threatened that they did not have a right to hold or even participate in the ceremonies. Moreover, the intelligence Bureau of these cities has warned people by sending threatening messages about the holding or participation of these activists at the Newroz ceremony.”, another activist, recently summoned by the security agencies, said.
According to reports, the governorates of Marivan, Sanandaj, Kamyaran and Saqqez have so far refused to issue permission for the celebration of Newroz in these cities.
Earlier, KHRN had reported the summons and interrogations of a number of well-known activists in Sanandaj on the eve of March 8th and Nowruz.
