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July 10, 2025 – Turkey/Iran –
Iran has intensified its campaign against Kurdish dissent, issuing death sentences to protesters and prosecuting journalists and politicians over peaceful expressions of solidarity. These developments mark a severe escalation in the state’s repression of political and media freedoms, particularly targeting Kurdish communities under the banner of suppressing the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” (Women, Life, Freedom) movement.
In the city of Sanandaj, five Kurdish civilians were sentenced to death, adding to a total of 11 death sentences handed down by the Revolutionary Court for participation in anti-government protests. These charges stem from demonstrations linked to the 2022 uprising that erupted after the killing of Jina Mahsa Amini. Alongside the death penalty, many others received lengthy prison terms and financial fines. Human rights groups have denounced the sentences as politically motivated and legally unfounded, issued after trials lacking due process and transparency.
Meanwhile, seven Kurdish journalists and two politicians are facing prosecution for participating in a protest commemorating journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, who were killed in a Turkish drone strike in northeastern Syria in December 2024. The demonstration was held in Mardin and was part of a broader expression of Kurdish solidarity across the region. Prosecutors have accused the group of “inciting unrest” and threatening national security, despite the peaceful nature of the event.
The targeting of journalists underscores the increasingly dangerous climate for media workers in Iran. Kurdish journalists are frequently arrested, harassed, and prosecuted for reporting on protests, minority rights, or state violence. The current wave of detentions and trials reflects a broader strategy to silence dissenting voices and prevent the amplification of Kurdish grievances.
These actions are part of a larger pattern of systemic repression aimed at eliminating political opposition, especially within Iran’s Kurdish population. The government’s use of capital punishment and criminal prosecutions for peaceful protest signals a deepening authoritarianism. International human rights organizations have called for the immediate reversal of the sentences, the release of all detained journalists and protesters, and accountability for the Iranian authorities’ continued violations of freedom of expression and fair trial standards.
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