Iranian Activist Detained, Others Threatened Ahead of Nowruz Ceremony

Security forces of the Islamic Republic authorities have detained Lutfollah Parwiz, a civil activist and coordinator of a Nowruz ceremony in northern Gilan-e Gharb.

Parwiz's arrest on March 20 coincides with the planned Nowruz celebrations scheduled for the evening of March 21 in the Nawdar region, according to a report by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.

Hengaw reports that security forces raided Parwiz's house, confiscated his mobile phone, and conducted a search of his home.

Sources said this was a deliberate attempt to intimidate organizers and prevent the ceremony from taking place.

Hengaw further reports that at least 10 singers and activists, including Salam Mahmoudi, have been summoned and threatened by security forces.

Some have been pressured to announce the cancellation of the ceremony on social media.

Despite the intimidation tactics, Gilan-e Gharb activists are urging people to attend the Nowruz celebrations in traditional Kurdish attire.