In recent weeks, Iranian Baluchis have faced unprecedented oppression by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and other repressive apparatuses.
According to Baluchi human rights activists, at least 16 citizens have been hanged at the Zahedan Central Prison in only 35 days. The number of executions in one prison has severely shocked the people. Activists say this number is unprecedented.
The Names of Executed People
Iranian authorities executed Behnam and Shoeib Rigi on December 19, 2020; Abdolbaset Khesht on December 20, 2020; Hamid Mirbaluchzehi and Mehraban Barahouei on December 26, 2020; Elias Ghalandarzehi, Hassan Dehvari, and Omid Mahmoudzehi on January 3; Majid Rigi on January 9; Joma Zarouzehi on January 13; Mohammad Anvar Alizehi on January 19; Younes Khaneshini, Abdolraouf Kabdani, Younes Jamshidzehi, and Shamsoddin Bajizehi on January 20; and Abdolsattar Anshini on January 23.
Oppressive Measures Against Locals
Moreover, on January 23, the State Security Forces destroyed a new Sunni mosque that was under construction in Iranshahr city. Local reports say that this action was carried out under the order of Mostafa Mohami, the representative of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for Sistan and Baluchestan province.
“The destruction of the mosque was taken place in cooperation with the local security council and armed forces. Indeed, the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) had prepared the scene and played the key role,” citizens reported.
Following the government’s sectarian action, locals gathered in front of Nour mosque, protesting officials’ oppressive actions. In response, government-backed individuals threatened religious men to prevent any protest.
Baluchi People’s Dire Living Conditions
The Iranian government amplifies pressure on residents of Sistan and Baluchestan province while many families suffer from rampant poverty. On the other hand, the state Oil Company has recently cut Baluchi truckers’ fuel quota, putting them in an awkward corner.
In recent weeks, truckers have held several rallies in different cities, protesting unnotified and unreasonable expiration and cut off of their fuel quota cards. However, truckers have received nothing but hollow promises despite hard work.
To cover their expenditures and fill their families’ food baskets, many citizens make ends meet through transferring and purchasing fuel. However, they practically risk their lives for meager money given the oppressive forces’ bloody reaction.
In recent months, the State Security Forces (SSF) has used lethal force to prevent citizens from engaging in this business, causing the death of several impoverished residents.
On Sunday, January 24, the SSF raided Kolahduz district in Iranshahr county under the pretense of countering trafficking. In their attack, oppressive forces of the SSF, MOIS, and plainclothes agents, targeted defenseless citizens with live ammunition. The attack prompted national wrath against the authorities’ crackdown on oppressive people in the southeastern province.
