SULAIMANI (ESTA) — At least three Kolbars (porters) died in Iranian Kurdistan last month, according to a rights watchdog.
Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said in its monthly report that two Kolbars died in natural accident while another was killed under “punishment of Turkish armed forces” in Urmia province.
At least 12 Kolbars were also shot and wounded by the Iranian security forces in Sanandaj and Kermanshah provinces, said Hengaw.
The organization monitors human rights abuses in Iranian Kurdistan.
Kolbars carry goods across the mountainous border between Iran, Iraq and Turkey on their backs. They frequently come under fire from Iranian border guards.
According to the organization, 59 Kolbars died or were shot dead by Iranian security forces and 181 others were wounded in 2020.
