In recent months, the Islamic Republic of Iran has once again intensified its repression of civil, social, and humanitarian activists across various regions of Kurdistan, demonstrating that it has left no space for peaceful and humanitarian activities. Among the most glaring examples of this crackdown is the case of Rezgar Bigzadeh Babamiri, Pakhshan Azizi, and Verishe Moradi—three Kurdish activists who, despite working in different fields, were all dedicated to helping people, supporting human rights, and striving for social justice.
Rezgar Bigzadeh Babamiri: More than 600 Days of Arbitrary Detention
Rezgar Bigzadeh Babamiri, a 46-year-old from Bukan, has been detained since April 17, 2023, and has spent more than 600 days in Orumiyeh Central Prison without a definitive legal ruling.
His main charge is aiding the wounded during the 2022 protests amid the Jina (Women, Life, Freedom) movement. While he was working to save lives during the protests, the authorities have now accused him of “ordering intentional murder” and “smuggling Starlink devices”—charges that are not only baseless but also reveal the Islamic Republic’s systematic criminalization of humanitarian activities.
According to reports from the Hana Human Rights Organization, Rezgar Bigzadeh has been subjected to physical and psychological torture during his detention. Some reports indicate that he has suffered severe injuries, though detailed information about these injuries has yet to be officially confirmed.
Providing aid to the wounded in crisis situations is not a crime; rather, it is a moral and humanitarian duty in accordance with human rights principles and international conventions. By persecuting individuals like Rezgar Bigzadeh, the Islamic Republic seeks to suppress any form of support for protesters and even punish those who simply try to save lives.
Pakhshan Azizi: A Social Worker Sentenced to Death
Pakhshan Azizi, a social worker from Mahabad, is one of the women facing severe repression due to her humanitarian activities. She had previously provided aid to Yazidi women who survived ISIS genocide in Syria, yet today, in Iran, she has been sentenced to death on charges of “rebellion (baghi)” and “membership in opposition groups.”
The death sentence against Pakhshan Azizi lacks any legal or judicial basis. While her work was solely focused on supporting vulnerable women, the Iranian Judiciary has attempted to suppress these humanitarian efforts by labeling them as security threats. In reality, social work and supporting victims of violence are fundamental human rights recognized under international law.
Verishe Moradi: A Women’s Rights Activist Facing Execution
Verishe Moradi, a women’s rights activist and a member of the East Kurdistan Free Women’s Society (KJAR), has also been sentenced to death on charges of “rebellion (baghi).” However, she has never engaged in armed activities and has solely worked to raise awareness among women and advocate for their rights.
Since October 10, 2024, Verishe Moradi has launched an indefinite hunger strike in protest against the injustice she and other political prisoners face. In addition, she, Pakhshan Azizi, and three other political prisoners have recently been sentenced to six months in prison on new charges of “disobedience toward state officials”—a clear sign of the Iranian regime’s ongoing efforts to fabricate cases against Kurdish activists.
A Systematic Crackdown on Humanitarian and Civil Activists
The cases of Rezgar Bigzadeh Babamiri, Pakhshan Azizi, and Verishe Moradi once again highlight how the Islamic Republic of Iran suppresses civil and humanitarian activists through baseless accusations, unfair trials, and torture.
While international law explicitly recognizes humanitarian work, freedom of expression, and assistance to the wounded as fundamental human rights, the Iranian regime criminalizes these actions and issues severe sentences against those involved.
The verdicts against these three activists violate multiple articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, particularly:
• Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to freedom of expression and information.
• Article 5 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment.
• Article 14 of the same covenant: The right to a fair trial.
As repression against dissent in Iran escalates, the international community and human rights organizations must take urgent action.
The sentences against Rezgar Bigzadeh Babamiri, Pakhshan Azizi, and Verishe Moradi are not only unlawful and unjust but also part of the Islamic Republic’s systematic effort to silence voices demanding justice in Kurdistan and beyond.
By: Pouya Maqsodi