The Statistics Center of the Hana Human Rights Organization has published its monthly report on the human rights situation in Kurdistan. The statistics and information presented in this report have been gathered through field investigations from victims of human rights violations, their families, available documentation, and informed sources, and subsequently verified through independent channels. Therefore, this report only contains cases for which Hana has been able to ensure the accuracy of the information.
According to the collected data, the main human rights violations have occurred in the areas of the right to life, civil and political rights, particularly regarding personal freedoms, and arbitrary arrests.
Arbitrary Arrests:
The Hana Statistics Center recorded 62 cases of arbitrary arrests of Kurdish citizens in various cities of Kurdistan by security agencies of the Islamic Republic. This month, the number of arrests decreased by 34% compared to the previous month, but showed an increase of 33.5% compared to August of last year.
According to Hana’s investigations, most of these arrests were carried out arbitrarily, without summons or judicial warrants. The majority were related to accusations of collaboration with Kurdish opposition parties, civil and labor activities, media-related work, and, more recently, allegations of espionage for Israel. Among those arrested were five women.
In addition, during this month, 10 prisoners were collectively sentenced to 112 years in prison and transferred to serve their sentences.
Right to Life and the Death Penalty:
In August 2025, at least 28 Kurdish citizens were executed in various prisons across Iran. Among those executed, 15 individuals were charged with drug-related offenses, 11 individuals with premeditated murder, and two individuals with the charge of moharebeh (enmity against God). The number of executions this month increased by 100% compared to July and by 133% compared to August 2024.
It should be noted that during this month, three Kurdish citizens – one in Tehran and two in a city in Lorestan Province – were killed by direct gunfire from security forces of the Islamic Republic.
Additionally, in the same month, one prisoner died under suspicious circumstances shortly after being released from prison, and another prisoner committed suicide while in prison.
The above chart illustrates the increase in executions in August compared to July.
Kolbars (Border Porters):
According to Hana’s statistics, at least five kolbars and tradesmen were killed or injured. Among them, a kolbar named Rahman Rasoulzadeh, from Baneh, was killed by direct fire from security forces, and four others were injured by direct gunfire from the same forces. The names of all those killed and injured have been documented and registered by the Statistics Center of the Hana Human Rights Organization. Casualties among kolbars decreased by 58% compared to July.
Suicides:
(Hana publishes suicide statistics solely due to the severe socio-economic crisis in Kurdistan, and considers suicide a form of violence.)
In this month, at least eight individuals – three women and five men – committed suicide in various cities and villages of Kurdistan due to poverty and unemployment. One of these cases involved a soldier who committed suicide in his military barracks. The suicide rate decreased by 55% compared to the previous month.
Workers:
In August, three workers lost their lives in work-related accidents caused by unsafe working conditions.
Landmines:
Explosions of landmines left from the war, as well as newly planted mines, continue to pose a serious threat to Kurdish citizens, especially in border regions and near military bases and outposts. In this regard, four children in Divandarreh were injured by the explosion of one such mine, with the condition of two of them reported as critical.
Hana’s monthly assessment shows a 100% increase in executions, which is highly concerning. These executions are being carried out with the aim of instilling fear and intimidation among the population.
Hana Human Rights Organization
August 31, 2025
The use of these statistics is permitted with proper citation.
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