IRGC Arrests Three Kurdish Environmental Activists

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces have arrested three Kurdish environment activists after they tried to extinguish a fire in Kosalan Mountains, according to a group that monitors the human rights situation in Iran’s western Kurdish region.

The France-based Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported on June 26 that Mohsen Dadgar, Saeed Dadgar and Yaser Saberi were taken into custody two days earlier.

IRGC forces intercepted their vehicle and informed them that traveling to the Kosalan Mountains was prohibited, it said, adding that the trio was arrested without the presentation of a court order.

Reports indicate that the three were transferred to Shahramfar Camp, which serves as the IRGC intelligence detention center in the city of Sanandaj.

The protected area of Kosalan spans between Sarvabad, Marivan and Kamiyaran.

The area has been hit by fires caused by ongoing clashes between IRGC forces and fighters of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK). 

During these confrontations, which claimed the lives of at least two IRGC members, the force extensively shelled the Kosalan Mountains.

Environmental activists in Iranian Kurdistan have raised concerns about the significant destruction inflicted by the IRGC on pastures and forests in the protected areas of Shaho and Kosalan. 

The destruction has been carried out to construct barracks and roads and to prevent opposition groups from hiding in the vegetation.