Urmia: Sarya Ahmadi, Evin Ahmadi, and Rozhbin Afsoon Released on Bail

Sarya Ahmadi (17), Evin Ahmadi (16), and Rozhbin Afsoon (22), three Kurdish citizens originally from Maku and residing in Urmia, were released on bail after completing interrogation procedures at the Intelligence Department’s detention center in Urmia.

According to a reliable source, Sarya and Evin Ahmadi — who are sisters — were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after security forces raided their family home without presenting a judicial warrant. Both were released later that same day on bail.

The same source added that Rozhbin Afsoon was also arrested on Wednesday, March 19, at her family’s home without a warrant, and was released on Thursday, March 20, on bail.

The source stated that the case of these three Kurdish women has been referred to the Urmia Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office.

Furthermore, the source noted that the mobile phones of the three women were confiscated by security forces and have not yet been returned.

The arrest of these three citizens came after they participated in a large-scale Nowruz (New Year) celebration in Urmia, where they were reportedly detained for wearing traditional Kurdish clothing adorned with Kurdish cultural symbols.

These arrests have raised concerns among human rights observers, especially considering the young age of two of the detainees and the cultural and peaceful nature of the gathering, which is recognized internationally as part of the right to freedom of expression and cultural identity.