In eastern Kurdistan, journalist and activist Zhina Mudaris Gurji, 21, and journalist Iraj Mohammadzada have received prison sentences following legal proceedings.

The International Federation of Journalists (ICRC) reported that Zhina Mudaris Gurji was handed a 21-year prison sentence and exile by the Revolutionary Court in Sna. She faced charges of "working against national security, establishing illegal organizations, collaborating with enemy countries, and propagating against the government." Known for her activism, Gurji was arrested on September 21, 2022, at her library, Zhira.

Following a 40-day investigation, she was transferred to the women's section of Sna prison and later released on bail of 100 million tomans on October 30. She was re-arrested on April 10, 2023, and after 84 days in solitary confinement, released on bail of 5 billion tomans. On May 23, she was arrested again to serve her 21-year sentence, with the court ordering a 10-year term in Hamadan prison. Her legal team plans to appeal the decision.

Separately, Kurdish journalist Iraj Mohammadzada, director of the Telegram channel "Tataer Gharib," received a two-year prison sentence from the Zhuanro Court for "disturbing public opinion and disseminating propaganda." The 45-year-old, currently pursuing a doctorate in political sciences at the University of Tehran, was sentenced for his online activities.