The KDPI is the oldest and largest Iranian Kurdish rebel group. It continuing to make tremendous strides in its decades-long battle against the Iranian regime. Founded in 1945, KDPI has long been at the forefront for the defense of Iranian Kurds’ rights. This disenfranchised religious group represents nearly a tenth of Iran’s population. Under the leadership of Mustafa Hijri, the group is asserting itself as a key player in the growing discontent within Iran, particularly following recent protests in the western provinces.
KDPI’s influence has surged as it supported protests that erupted across Iran, focusing on the rights of Kurds and other marginalized groups. Hijri also asserted that the KDPI has more active members inside of Iran than any other opposition party. It illustrates the depth of grassroots support for the group. The party aims to secure greater autonomy and change the status of Iranian Kurds, who have historically faced repression under the regime.
KDPI proudly represents the Perspective of Women and Men. This diversity is indicative of the wider Kurdish movements across North Kurdistan (Turkey), Rojava (Syria), Bashur (Iraq), and Rojhilat (Iran). The group’s feminist ideology centers around creating opportunities for women, and that dedication rings true through the lips of each of the group’s members. For one new KDPI recruit, 19-year-old Farina, the answer was clear as she explained her desire to join the ranks of KDPI.
“We put our lives on this path,” – Farina
The group has long recruited young Iranian Kurds seeking to escape to northeastern Iraq. This preemptive approach has garnered international interest. Some of these recruits have experienced their country falling to authoritarian rule. The KDPI runs its operations from a sophisticated base just over 13 miles east of the Iranian border. That tactical advantage allows them to easily get on the same page, coordinate activities, and recruit new members.
At the height of the early 1980s, KDPI launched a full political, diplomatic, and military campaign against Iran, Iraq, and Turkey for this claim to national sovereignty. This unique historical context deepens the significance of the group’s longevity and resilience. KDPI by necessity distributes its fighters an array of armaments. This means many Soviet-era Dragunov sniper rifles, still in service and now fitted with modern optics, and AK-47 assault rifles. Such resources are indispensable for surviving operational effectiveness during sustained struggle against a highly militarized and repressive regime.
The lives and struggles of Kurdish women inspire and inform KDPI’s work. So many of our female members have literally armed themselves to fight against systemic injustices. One member reflected on her own story, spelling out the obstacles women endure due to the existing regime.
“We have no rights, especially as women. That’s why I became a peshmerga: to defend my rights as a Kurd, and as a woman.” – [Name withheld]
As KDPI still has some way to go in building popular support behind its campaign, Hijri is hopeful that the best is yet to come. He argues that it’s internal pressures that are having their full effect on the Iranian government.
“The regime is weakening daily,” – Mustafa Hijri
This sentiment has struck a chord with many Kurdish activists who feel that they have an opportunity to change the status quo against increasing unrest across Iran. As protests become larger and more radical, KDPI will be in a prime position to take advantage of this energy. More importantly, their efforts represent a fierce and globalizing struggle for Kurdish rights. Like their predecessors, they hope to pursue deeper political reforms in Iran.
