ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iranian authorities have sentenced three Kurdish citizens from Iran’s West Azerbaijan province to over three years in prison, a watchdog group reported on Monday. The individuals were charged with "propaganda against the state" and "raising the Kurdistan Flag" during Newroz celebrations.

According to the Oslo-based Hengaw Human Rights Organization, the three men, Osman Abbasi, Hayman Alizadeh, and Shahram Soltani, were arrested and sent to Miandoab Prison to serve their sentences.

Hengaw stated that the three were sentenced to "a total of three years and two months in prison" by the judiciary "for participating in special Newroz ceremonies." 

They were also charged with "propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran" and their alleged "involvement in Newroz celebrations and raising the flag of Kurdistan."

The citizens, previously arrested following Newroz celebrations, had been released on bail of three billion Tomans (over $30,000) until the time of their trial.

In an effort to prevent festivities in the country’s western Kurdish-populated areas (Rojhelat), Iran arrested dozens of Kurdish citizens, including minors, and threatened thousands more.

Newroz, which marks the first day of spring, is widely celebrated by Kurds in western Iran and across the world.

The Iranian authorities have often cracked down on these celebrations, prohibiting certain Kurdish symbols, slogans, songs, and traditional attire such as the Jamaneh and Khaki.

These outfits are seen as symbols of resistance, often worn by groups opposing the Iranian government, and are frequently shared on social media as an act of dissent.

The Iranian government also forbids the Kurdish folk dance, known as Halparke, which involves men and women dancing together while holding hands, a custom not accepted by the country’s political and religious leadership.