The people of Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhilat) have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to liberation through a general strike to protest atgainst the regime, held on Sunday 15 September, in response to calls from civil organisations, political parties and advocacy groups in the region.
Reports from Medya News reporters and other Kurdish media outlets have relayed that cities across the region, including Sanandaj (Sine), Saqqez (Seqiz), Kermanshah (Kermashan), Divandere, Bukan, Marivan, Oshnaviyeh (Shino) and Mahabad, are all involved in a general strike, highlighting the region’s strong tradition of solidarity and resistance.
Kurdistan province
In Sanandaj, shopkeepers and market vendors have shut their businesses, resulting in a total citywide shutdown. Footage shows the city is almost deserted.
Despite a heavy presence of security forces and anti-riot units in Saqqez – the home of the young Kurdish woman Jina Amini whose murder at the hands of the morality police inspired the Jin Jiyan Azadî movement – their intimidation and threats have not deterred the people. Footage shows a helicopter patrolling the city, while security forces have blocked access to the Aichi Mausoleum, where Amini is buried. Internet connectivity in Saqqez has been entirely stopped.
Following a request from Amjad Amini, Jina’s father, for public attendance at the Aichi cemetery, the family has been confined to their home by security personnel. Reports indicate that the Amini family has been threatened with arrest if they attempt to visit their daughter’s grave.
Additionally, Iranian authorities have released water from the “Chirag Weiss” dam to obstruct access to the Aichi cemetery, aiming to prevent people from crossing the Saqqez river.
Diwandare city has also joined the strike. Security forces are stationed at major locations throughout the city.
West Azerbaijan province
In Bukan, the city remains on strike in spite of threats from security forces to block the bank accounts of shopkeepers who refuse to open their businesses.
Oshnaviyeh is observing a total strike, with residents refusing to attend work as a form of protest against the Islamic regime.
Similarly, Mahabad is fully engaged in the action. Security forces, some in Kurdish uniforms, are present throughout the city, and drones are monitoring the area from above.
Kermanshah province
Reports indicate that Kermanshah has also joined the general strike, with heightened security measures and anti-riot forces present in key areas.
It is widely expected that the broad participation in the strike, expressly against the wishes of the government, is likely to trigger a new wave of arrests and intensified suppression in the coming days.
