A report from the Hangaw Human Rights Center reveals that Iranian authorities arrested at least 123 citizens in December, with Kurdish citizens making up the majority of those detained. Of the total, 88 individuals—accounting for 71.5% of all arrests—were Kurds.

Widespread Arrests Across Regions

The arrests occurred predominantly in Kurdish regions, with 58 citizens detained in Urmieh, 20 in Kermanshah, and 10 in Sanaa. In addition to the Kurdish detainees, those arrested included 25 Sunni activists, 10 Baluch citizens, 8 women activists, 6 children, and 2 members of the Baha'i faith.

Among the women detained were Kurdish activists Susan Hassanzadeh and Nazanin Aliasi, while the six children arrested included Omid Salihi, Ramyar Mohammadzadeh, Hemn Shammohammadi, Rzgar Mawludi, Kamyar Yazedi, and Mohammad Mahmoudi—all under the age of 18.

Targeting Teachers and Activists

The report highlights ongoing repression targeting various groups, including educators. In December, two teachers, Hamid Azizi and Omid Hamidi, were also detained, reflecting the regime's continued crackdown on cultural and social advocates.

Context of Crackdown

The arrests are part of Iran's broader campaign of repression, which has intensified following widespread protests and unrest across the country. Kurdish regions, in particular, have been a focal point of the government’s security operations, as the regime seeks to suppress dissent and control activism.

International human rights organizations have condemned the growing number of arbitrary arrests and urged Iran to release detainees immediately. The ongoing detentions underscore the heightened risks faced by ethnic minorities, activists, and children under the regime’s escalating crackdown.

The December arrests mark yet another grim chapter in the Iranian government’s efforts to stifle dissent and silence marginalized communities.