Ali Kashifpour was born in the village of Howesin, located in the Urmia region. He completed his primary education there before continuing his studies in the city of Urmia, where he obtained his diploma. Later, he participated in the entrance exams for the universities of Tabriz and Tehran. Eventually, he was admitted to the University of Tehran, where he pursued a degree in Law and Political Sciences.
During the mass uprisings across Iran in 1978, Ali actively participated in the protests. As a result, he was arrested multiple times by the SAVAK, the Shah’s secret police, and subjected to severe torture. Despite being released, he remained under constant surveillance.
Following the fall of the Shah’s regime and the open struggle of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan in 1978-1979, Ali joined the peshmerga forces, seeing the party’s program as the path to the liberation of his people. Tirelessly, he fought in Northern Kurdistan and the surrounding regions of Urmia.
Due to his dedication, perseverance, and deep love for his people, he was elected as a Deputy Member of the Central Committee during the 4th Congress of the Party in Mahabad. Later, during the 5th Congress, he was promoted to a full Member of the Central Committee, further increasing his responsibilities.
In 1987, the party sent him to France on a mission. However, he could not bear to stay away from Kurdistan for long, frequently returning. He often said: “I will never trade Kurdistan for the luxury of Europe.”
As the revolutionary movement gained momentum, Ali continued to support the party and worked relentlessly for the Kurdish cause. In 1990, due to family-related issues, the party urged him to take a break and resolve these matters. However, he refused to abandon his party duties. After much persuasion, he reluctantly agreed to step back temporarily.
On the night of August 15, 1990, in the city of Konya (Turkey), he was brutally kidnapped by three armed men dressed as police officers in front of his wife and children. A few days later, his mutilated body was found, with hands tied, on the roadside between Konya and Ankara. It was later revealed that the assassination was carried out by agents of the Iranian regime, with the support of Turkey’s Hezbollah movement.
Until his martyrdom, Ali Kashifpour remained a member of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan.
Eternal honor to this fearless fighter and martyr of Kurdistan!
Death to the enemies and traitors of the Kurdish people!
Victory for Kurdistan, and disgrace to its enemies!
His memory will live on forever…
✍️ Shorsh Asadzadeh
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