Kurdish singer Hassan Kakai was arrested and allegedly assaulted by Iranian intelligence agents after performing at a ceremony to mark Newroz, the Kurdish New Year.
The 64-year-old musician was forcibly taken from his home in the city of Bukan by Iranian authorities on the evening of 23 March, according to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights. The ordeal lasted from 8 pm local time on Saturday until the following morning, during which Kakai was reportedly beaten, leaving him with visible injuries and bruises, particularly on his face.
He was released the following morning, but family members confirmed that they had observed the bruising and injuries to his face, indicating a violent encounter during his detention.
Kakai is recognised for his contributions to Kurdish music and culture, and his performances often include themes of freedom, resistance and celebration of Kurdish culture. His arrest came shortly after he participated in Newroz celebrations in Bukan and Saqqez, towns in Rojhilat, the Kurdish-majority regions of Iran, where he performed songs reflecting these themes.
Newroz is an important cultural event symbolising renewal, resistance and unity among Kurdish communities. Kurdish artists and intellectuals in Iran have faced challenges in freely expressing their cultural identity and political aspirations during Newroz.
The Islamic Republic’s crackdown on Newroz activities perceived as dissenting from state policies was evident in this year’s celebrations, which were marred by violence and arrests in various regions of Iranian Kurdistan.