In response to death sentences handed down to two Kurdish journalists and a new wave of government oppressive measures targeting activists, the Center for the Defense of Human Rights in Kurdistan and Chaak Organization called on the people of Iranian Kurdistan, political parties and activists in all areas to protest the violation of human rights in Kurdistan by taking part in a mass strike on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week [July 24, 25 and 26].

One of the Kurdish journalists facing execution is Adnan Hassanpour, the editor of the banned Kurdish weekly “Asou.” Hassanpour and another Kurdish journalist, Hiva Boutimar, have been sentenced to death by Sanadaj’s Revolutionary Court for “moharebeh,” (meaning a rebel) a charge often applied to those accused of armed resistance to the state. Hassanpour has spent the past few months behind bars in the Kurdish city of Marivan.

According to Saleh Nikbakht, who represents the two journalists, “Mr. Hassanpour’s charges are not at all related to his journalistic activities.”

Nikbakht further elaborated that Hassanpour’s charges emanated from a new case related to “a phone conversation he had with a staff member of radio Voice of America.” Islamic Republic officials argue that this is an instance of “espionage” and “moharebeh.” Hassanpour’s colleague, Boutimar, has been charged with carrying lethal weapons, though Nikbakht insists that his client has never carried a lethal weapon and has not been in contact with any armed groups.

Kurdish journalist and human rights activists, Saman Rasoulpour says, “The death sentence was shocking and unexpected for all of us. As a result, the executive council of the Center for the Defense of Human Rights in Kurdistan issued a statement yesterday calling on judicial officials to overturn the sentence and put an end to the suppression of journalists and civil activists.”

Meanwhile, union activist Mahmoud Salehi is still serving time behind bars despite his deteriorating health conditions. Salehi’s only kidney is in critical condition, and Sanandaj’s prosecutor general has ignored an authorization by prison officials allowing Salehi to seek treatment outside prison.

Two other Kurdish activists, Mohammad Sadegh Kabovand and Ajlal Aghvami are also detained at an undisclosed location.

In Saman Rasoulpour’s view, “People expect this new and unprecedented wave of suppression, which is instigated by the Islamic Republic’s judicial and security officials against civil society activists, to intensify with each passing day.”