Qazvin; Shiva Zarei, Kurdish Activist and Journalist, Fined on Charge of "Propaganda Against the State"

July 23, 2026 – Over the past few days, "Shiva Zarei," a Kurdish activist and journalist from Qasr-e Shirin in Kermanshah province residing in Bouin Zahra, Qazvin province, was sentenced to a fine of 50 million Toman on charges of "propaganda against the state." Previously, all of her bank accounts had been frozen and her mobile phone confiscated.

A well-informed source confirmed the news to Kurdpa, stating: "The court hearing regarding the charge against Shiva Zarei took place on June 8, 2026, at Branch 3 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Qazvin County on the charge of 'propaganda against the state through reposting stories on Instagram.' In recent days, the verdict imposing a fine of 50 million Toman for this charge was issued and served to her."

A copy of the court summons received by Kurdpa shows that she was served the notice to appear in court on May 3, 2026. The summons specified: "Your failure to appear will not prevent legal decisions from being taken."

According to the source, this ruling comes amid ongoing pressures directed against the Kurdish activist. She has faced repeated pressure, all of her bank accounts were frozen without prior notice, and her mobile phone was confiscated without a legal warrant in January 2026, remaining unreturned for months.

Shiva Zarei is a Kurdish activist, women's rights activist, and journalist.