and Systematic Suppression of Baluch in Iran

Introduction: A Minority Encircled by Death and Silence

The Baluch, a predominantly Sunni Muslim ethnic and religious minority residing primarily in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, have faced systematic suppression, mass arrests, widespread executions, and enforced disappearances over the past three years. For instance, in March 2025, at least 20 young Baluch individuals were detained by police forces in Zahedan and transferred to an undisclosed location. Reports from the United Nations (UN) and human rights organizations, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have raised concerns about “enforced disappearance operations” targeting ethnic minorities, including the Baluch. The Baluch frequently face arbitrary arrests, torture, and unfair trials, often leading to transfers to unknown locations and the risk of execution.

Chapter 1: A Tide of Blood – Shocking Execution Statistics

Over the past three years, executions of Baluch individuals have surged at an unprecedented rate. Despite constituting only about 5% of Iran’s population, Baluch account for 11–20% of all executions. The wave of executions, particularly targeting young Baluch protesters, has intensified since 2022.

• Execution Statistics for 2023:
  • In 2023, at least 184 Baluch prisoners were executed across 26 cities in Iran. Of these, 54 were executed in Zahedan Central Prison and 31 in Birjand Prison. At least four Baluch women were among those executed.
  • Amnesty International reported that Iran executed 853 individuals in 2023, the highest number in eight years, with 138 of them being Baluch, highlighting disproportionate pressure on this minority.
  • Many executions were carried out on drug-related or security charges, often following unfair trials. Reports indicate that torture, prolonged solitary confinement, and forced confessions were integral to the judicial process.
  • In 2022, over a 120-day period, at least 81 Baluch prisoners were executed on fabricated charges, reflecting a significant spike in executions within a short timeframe.

In February 2021, the UN reported that at least 21 Baluch prisoners were executed between December 2020 and February 2021 in the prisons of Zahedan, Mashhad, and Isfahan, many convicted on drug or national security charges.

Execution Statistics (2022–2024):

Examples of Executed Baluch Individuals:

• Abdolghaffar Barahoui, Parviz Dastkala, and Abdolsamad Gorgij: Executed in Mashhad, May 2025.
• Rostam Zeinoldini: Executed in Zahedan Prison on political charges (alleged membership in Jaish al-Adl).
• Shoaib Mirbalochzehi Rigi: An 18-year-old protester executed after torture and forced confessions.
• Mansour and Nezamoldin Hout: Two young Baluch protesters subjected to unfair trials and executed in Chabahar.
• Two brothers and a father of nine: Executed in Mashhad; names are being verified in local reports.
• Four Baluch women: Executed in Zahedan and Birjand prisons in 2023.

Chapter 2: Executions Under Torture – Unjust, Swift, and Clandestine

Arrests without warrants, torture, forced confessions, denial of independent legal counsel, and secret executions characterize the judicial processes targeting Baluch prisoners. Many defendants are held in solitary confinement for months without access to family or lawyers, and their trials often last only minutes.

Reports, including those from UN News, highlight severe human rights violations against Baluch prisoners, including:

• Unfair trials and lack of access to adequate legal representation.
• Use of torture and inhumane methods, such as prolonged solitary confinement.
• Secret executions unreported by state media.

Many of these executions violate international human rights standards, including the right to legal counsel and a fair trial.

Chapter 3: Lasting Wounds – Bloody Friday in Zahedan

On September 30, 2022, Iranian security forces opened fire on worshippers during Friday prayers in Zahedan, killing dozens. This event, known as “Bloody Friday in Zahedan,” was followed by internet blackouts and threats against religious leaders as the government sought to suppress the truth. However, statements by Molavi Abdulhamid and reports from organizations like Amnesty International exposed the incident.

Chapter 4: Kulbars and Fuel Carriers – Living in the Shadow of Bullets

In the border regions of Sistan and Baluchestan, kulbari (cross-border portering) and fuel carrying are among the few sources of income. However, these activities often end in death due to indiscriminate shootings by military forces. In 2024, at least nine Baluch fuel carriers were killed at the borders. Security forces fired without warning, and no mechanisms exist to hold perpetrators accountable.

Chapter 5: Children and Youth – A Generation at Risk

In 2024, at least one Baluch teenager (under 18) was executed. Additionally, many young protesters remain in detention, subjected to torture and coercion to extract fabricated confessions. Iran remains one of the few countries that continues to execute minors.

Conclusion and Call for Urgent Action

The widespread executions, torture, unfair trials, and street suppressions paint a clear picture of structural discrimination and state violence against the Baluch.

We urge the international community to:

• Initiate independent investigations into the “Bloody Friday” incident in Zahedan.
• Immediately halt executions, particularly of Baluch protesters.
• Ensure Baluch prisoners’ access to independent legal counsel and fair trials.
• Establish an international monitoring body to oversee human rights conditions in Baluch-inhabited regions.

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