Iran’s security forces arrest Kurds after unrest

Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Aug. 22 – Iran’s State Security Forces have stepped up arrests of Kurds who took part in large-scale anti-government demonstrations over the past six weeks in the town of Baneh, northwestern Iran, according to local residents. Iran Focus

Tehran, Iran, Aug. 22 – Iran’s State Security Forces have stepped up arrests of Kurds who took part in large-scale anti-government demonstrations over the past six weeks in the town of Baneh, northwestern Iran, according to local residents.

Among those reportedly under arrest are Mohammad-Zaher Ahmadi-Pour, 34; Hazhar Razavi, 24; and Nasser Youssefi, 23. The detainees had been held in a detention centre belonging to the dreaded secret police, the Ministry of Intelligence and Security. After a week under intense interrogation, they were transferred to Baneh’s central prison.

At least two people were killed by agents of the SSF in Baneh on July 30 in the course of an anti-government uprising.

In late March, widespread clashes erupted between people and security forces in the Kurdish town following two separate shootings by government agents which left at least two people dead.

Dozens of people were injured or arrested, several security vehicles were set alight and government buildings were ransacked during the uprising.