NEWS CENTER - According to the Baloch Activists Campaign's report, Iran has executed at least 621 Baloch people in the last 8 years.
Baloch Activists Campaign (BAC) published a report on Baloch people executed in Iran between 2017-2024. According to the campaign's reports published on virtual media platforms, Iran has executed at least 621 Baloch in the last 8 years. The report emphasised that the execution of Baloch in Iran is a problem that has attracted the attention of human rights defenders and international organisations. The report, which stated that many executions were not publicised, pointed out that the number of executions was much higher than those identified.
The report emphasised that 19 of those executed were sentenced to death on political and security-related charges and read, "Beyond its legal and political dimensions, this statistic raises serious concerns about criminal justice, ethnic discrimination, and human rights violations against a Baloch ethnic in Iran.
The execution of 621 Baloch citizens over nearly seven years translates to an average of 77 executions per year. This alarming figure, particularly the 19 individuals executed on political and security charges, underscores the sensitivity and complexity of the issue.
The report stated that the charges usually include accusations such as "enmity against God" (Moharebeh), "corruption on earth" (Efsad-e-Fil-Arz) or "co-operation with anti-regime groups" and that the lack of concrete evidence, lack of access to independent legal representation and unfair trials raise concerns about the legitimacy of the charges and sentences.
Stating that Baloch people living in Sistan and Baluchistan Province and other regions in Iran have long faced economic, social and political marginalisation, the statement reads, "Many analysts believe that this high rate of executions reflects systemic discrimination and repressive policies against the Baloch minority. Security-related charges are often used as a pretext for severe crackdowns on Baloch political and social activists, as well as individuals advocating for their fundamental rights.
The widespread execution of Baloch citizens has not only had a devastating impact on the community but has also widened social divisions and deepened distrust between the government and the Baloch population."