Field Report: Security Agencies Pressure Various Social Segments to Attend Khamenei's Funeral Ceremonies
July 6, 2026; According to field reports from various cities across Iranian Kurdistan, different social groups, guilds, and sectors of the population are being heavily pressured and threatened by the security-controlled protection offices (Herasat) of various institutions and departments to attend the funeral ceremonies of Ali Khamenei. Citizens have been warned that failing to participate will result in severe consequences.
Those targeted include public sector employees, low-income families supported by the State Welfare Organization and the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, and Sunni religious scholars (Mamostas). Additionally, local militia forces affiliated with the IRGC have been ordered to actively participate not only in their own regions but also in state-organized ceremonies in major cities.
Based on field monitoring by Kurdpa across various cities in Iranian Kurdistan, the coercive measures applied by the security apparatus through internal protection departments include:
Government and Public Sector Employees: Security organs, via institutional protection offices, have forced public servants to attend state-organized ceremonies. Government offices are reportedly transport employees to the venues by bus under explicit warnings that refusal could lead to termination or salary cuts. Conversely, compliance has been tied to promises of promotions and salary increments.
Vulnerable and Low-Income Groups: Individuals and families relying on the financial aid of the "State Welfare Organization" (Behzisti) and the "Imam Khomeini Relief Committee" (Komiteh Emdad) face immense pressure, with officials threatening to completely cut off their continuous monthly stipends and welfare support if they refuse to attend.
Pressure on Religious Scholars: Kurdish religious scholars (Mamostas) have faced direct threats from the "Great Islamic Center of the West of the Country" (Markaz-e Bozorg-e Eslami), a state body, warning them of administrative and disciplinary punishments if they do not join the official state processions.
Human Rights and International Law Dimensions
Under Articles 18 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), every individual possesses the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience, opinion, and expression. No one may be subjected to coercion or pressure that would impair their freedom to hold or express a belief, opinion, or political stance.
Forcing individuals to attend state ceremonies through threats of job termination, withdrawal of essential livelihood support, or other administrative and security repercussions directly violates these international principles—specifically the prohibition of forced expression of opinion and the right to personal liberty. Such state actions constitute a systematic violation of the freedom of opinion and expression.
