Continued Security Pressures Ahead of Protest Anniversary; 14 Members of the Kurdistan Teachers' Association Summoned

Local media reported the summoning of 14 members of the Kurdistan Teachers' Association in the city of Sanandaj, stating that this action is part of increased pressure on labor activists ahead of the second anniversary of the "Women, Life, Freedom" protests. The human rights organization Hengaw reported today, Friday, September 23, that the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office and security agencies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sanandaj summoned Fatemeh Zandkarimi, Nasrin Karimi, Salah Hajimirzai, Faisal Noori, Majid Karimi, Reza Tahmasbi, Shahryar Naderi, Behzad Ghavami, Mohammad Reza Moradi, Aram Ebrahimi, Sadegh Kananian, Rozgar Heydari, Ghias Naemati, and Kourosh Izadi Amini, fourteen labor activists of teachers in this city. According to published information, these activists were summoned on multiple charges including "propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran, disturbing public order and assembly, and conspiracy against national security." Hengaw announced that these individuals must appear before judicial authorities and security agencies on Saturday, September 24. In this context, and according to local sources from Kurdistan province, security agencies of the Islamic Republic have carried out widespread arrests ahead of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death while in the custody of the 'Guidance Patrol.' Analysts believe that the aim of the security forces with these arrests is to prevent any protests on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death and to obstruct the holding of memorial ceremonies by Amini's family. In this regard, Amjad Amini, Mahsa Amini's father, in an audio file sent to VOA, referred to the second anniversary of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini's death and mentioned efforts to hold a memorial ceremony if the government does not interfere. Mahsa (Zhina) Amini died a few days after being arrested by the Guidance Patrol on September 25, 2022, at Kasra Hospital in Tehran, and her death triggered widespread protests across Iran that continued for months in streets, universities, and schools. During the suppression of the nationwide protests in 2022 by government forces, hundreds of citizens were killed, and thousands were injured and arrested. Message from Mahsa Amini's father: If the government does not interfere, we will hold the memorial ceremony on Sunday. The security atmosphere in Kurdish regions of Iran; arrests continue. The security environment in Kurdish cities ahead of the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death; summoning of 14 teachers and the arrest of a grieving mother. Mahsa Amini's father: The judiciary has not yet responded to the family regarding the case; we will hold the memorial ceremony. Nika Shakeri's sister: The dimensions of the crimes of the Islamic Republic are much broader than what has been revealed so far. Amnesty International on the second anniversary of the nationwide protests: In the Islamic Republic, the immunity of "perpetrators of international crimes" from punishment continues. Confirmation of imprisonment and fines for Mashallah Karami and his supporters ahead of the second anniversary of Mahsa's death. Human Rights Watch: The Islamic Republic commits injustice twice, executing or killing a family member and then arresting their loved ones.