JINHA

NEWS CENTER – After Iranian security forces killed two protestors demanding justice for Kurdish woman Ferinaz, who killed herself to escape rape, protests have spread to the city of Meriwan.

In Mahabad, a city in Eastern Kurdistan (Iran), police have slain two protestors with live ammunition and the state has blockaded the city with thousands of soldiers. Protests are ongoing, although different sources give conflicting numbers of wounded and arrested protestors.

Events started on Monday, May 4, when 26-year-old Ferinaz Xosrawanî, an employee at Mahabad's Tara Hotel, jumped from a fourth-floor window in the hotel rather than be raped by her attackers—apparently members of Iranian security forces. The hotel owner, suspected of involvement in the case, has been arrested, but locals say it is only for his protection.

After police opened fire with live bullets on protestors, they lit the hotel on fire in protest yesterday evening. Police have slain two, wounded 27 and arrested dozens of protestors, according to local sources. While it is hard to reach clear numbers in the events, the city is surrounded by thousands of soldiers.

The people of the Eastern Kurdish city of Meriwan have announced that they will hold a solidarity action with the people of Mahabad today. Meriwan youth organizations have called on people across Eastern Kurdistan to take to the streets in support of Ferinaz, who has become a symbol of rebellion.

(zd/fk/cm)