PROTESTS erupted at the weekend in the Kurdistan region of Iran after Zahra Mohammadi began a five-year sentence for teaching children in their mother tongue.

She presented herself at the court of Sanandaj in traditional Kurdish clothing and was transferred to prison.

“The person who goes to prison for their thoughts and activities will surely end up further strengthening their beliefs,” she said outside the courtroom where supporters had gathered.

Ms Mohammadi, who is the director of the Nojin Cultural Association in Iran’s Kurdistan province, thanked those who came and said she would continue her struggle.

She was first arrested in May 2019 along with other members of the association and accused of working with a banned political party.

The 30-year-old was charged with “forming groups and societies with the aim of disrupting national security” by the Iranian authorities.

Her lawyers and human rights organisations confirmed that she had been jailed because of her work teaching Kurdish children and her involvement in other cultural activities.

There are around 12 million Kurds in Iran — about 17 per cent of the population.

While Kurdish culture, such as dress and music, is allowed and the language is used in some broadcasts and publications, the Kurdish minority continues to suffer deep-rooted discrimination.

Ms Mohammadi was initially sentenced to 10 years behind bars after confessions allegedly extracted through torture.

But this sentence was halved on appeal in October 2020.

An appeal has been lodged against her sentence, with lawyers requesting a retrial under Article 477 of the Iranian Islamic Criminal Code.