On 9 December 2024, Branch 1 of the #Sanandaj Revolutionary Court sentenced human rights defender Edris Menbari to two years in prison. His alleged crime? “Forming groups and associations with the intention of disturbing national security.” In reality, Edris was targeted solely for his peaceful efforts to promote socio-cultural rights as a member of the Nozhin Association.
Who is Edris Menbari? Edris is a human rights defender and a former board member of the Nozhin Socio-Cultural Association (2021–2023). Through teaching and cultural events, he has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of the Kurdish community. The Nozhin Association raises awareness about the legal and cultural rights of ethnic groups in Iran, promoting cultural education and organizing Kurdish language classes across the region. Members and directors of the Nozhin Association, including Menbari, have chosen to communicate only in Kurdish as a form of protest against the denial of their right to teach in their mother tongue.
Freedom of expression and cultural identity should never be crimes!
