Human Rights Organization Report on the Killing of 142 Kurdish Citizens During 'Women, Life, Freedom' Protests

The Hengaw Human Rights Organization has reported that a total of 142 Kurdish citizens were killed during the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, including 6 women, 136 men, and among the deceased, 16 were children under 18 years old. According to Hengaw, 45 of the deceased were married, 2 were engaged, and 95 were single. The report states that of the 142 Kurdish citizens who lost their lives during this movement, 16 were under 18 years old, 117 were between 19 and 50 years old, and 9 were over 51 years old. The report emphasizes that 90 of the deceased were killed by government forces using military weapons. It adds that 14 citizens died after being arrested and tortured, and two prisoners were executed. Other noted cases include one person killed by a sniper rifle and four by heavy machine guns. Hengaw reported that among the 16 deceased children, two died from baton strikes to the head and beatings, one due to torture during detention, and one as a result of chemical attacks on schools. Eleven children were also killed as a result of direct gunfire from government forces. This report comes as the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death approaches, with the government taking extensive measures to prevent any protests. Reports indicate that the atmosphere in Kurdish cities has become highly securitized, and internet access in Kurdistan province has been severely disrupted just one day before the potential anniversary ceremonies for Mahsa Amini. In this context, informed sources reported to the Persian section of Voice of America about the deployment of numerous government agents throughout the city of Saqez and severe internet disruptions in several cities, including Saqez and Sanandaj, ahead of the second anniversary of Mahsa (Jina) Amini's death in custody of the morality police. According to these sources, checkpoints have been established at the entrances and exits of Saqez and several neighborhoods in Sanandaj. Hengaw also reported on the evening of Friday, September 23, citing its sources, that the Islamic Republic has released water from the 'Chiragh Vis' dam onto the riverbed of Saqez to block access to Jina Amini's grave. According to Hengaw's calculations, the released water will likely make this route impassable within the next twelve hours, which was used by protesters during the fortieth day of Mahsa Amini's death in 1401. Local news sources also reported yesterday the summons of 14 members of the Kurdish Teachers' Association in Sanandaj, stating that this action is part of increased pressure on civil activists ahead of the second anniversary of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. Accordingly, these individuals are required to present themselves to judicial authorities and security agencies today, Saturday, September 24. Earlier, Amjad Amini, Mahsa Amini's father, stated that if the government does not intervene and 'considering public calls and requests,' the anniversary ceremony for his child will be held on Sunday, September 25. Mojgan Eftekhari and Amjad Amini, Mahsa Amini's parents, wrote in a note on their Instagram page: 'We, the family of Jina, like any grieving family, will gather at the grave of our beloved child Jina (Mahsa) Amini to hold the traditional and religious anniversary ceremony.' The UN fact-finding committee has deemed discrimination against women in Iran a violation of human rights and a crime against humanity. The publication of the report by the Kurdistan Human Rights Association - Geneva; arrests, torture, killings, and executions of Kurdish citizens continue. Shirin Ebadi in the European Parliament: Protesters in Iran are calling for a change of government. The head of the judiciary confirmed the arrest of at least 22,000 people during the protests. The Iran Human Rights Organization: At least 43 children and 25 women have been killed in the protests.