Iran security forces raided Kurdish preacher Saifula Hosseini’s home in Javanrud, breaking his wife’s arm and abducting Hosseini, Hengaw Human Rights reported. According to local sources, his wife was insulted and later taken to the hospital.

According to Hengaw presence of security forces was increased in Javanrud with internet and communication lines shut down.

Over a thousand people gathered before the Javanrud military base command, demanding the preacher’s release.

Iranian authorities have kidnapped hundreds of preachers and mullahs in Iranian Kurdistan and the rest of Iran, as they are an alternative authority to the Iranian regime as opposition to the government has reached its peak.

The move is desperate and surprising as the protesters and the government undermine religious people—the government abducts preachers, and protesters toss Mulla turbans on the streets. One of the demands of protests in the ongoing unrest is reduced religious people in government affairs.