Iran’s Baluchi Community Under Attack: Unleashing Violence on Protesters and Worshipers

Amnesty International Reports Brutal Crackdown on Protesters in Iran

Introduction

Amnesty International has released a report detailing the Iranian authorities’ brutal crackdown on peaceful protests by the Baluchi minority in Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchistan province. The report highlights the use of severe beatings, tear gas, water cannons, mass arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and other ill-treatment by security forces. Amnesty International calls on the Iranian authorities to refrain from using unlawful force during future protests and to uphold the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

Evidence of Brutality

Eyewitness accounts collected by Amnesty International, as well as video footage, provide a disturbing picture of the brutality inflicted on worshippers and protesters, including children as young as 10. Security forces violently arrested hundreds of individuals, many of whom remain forcibly disappeared. Both children and adults detained were subjected to torture and other ill-treatment, including severe beatings and injuries from paintball launchers fired at close range.

Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Diana Eltahawy, has condemned the Iranian authorities’ actions and called on governments to urgently intervene to stop the unlawful use of force against peaceful protesters, halt the torture of detainees, and release those detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights.

The Need for Accountability

Amnesty International has called for criminal investigations into the crimes committed by Iranian authorities under the principle of universal jurisdiction. The organization highlights the systemic impunity that has enabled this wave of torture against protesters and emphasizes the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. States around the world must take action to seek justice for the victims of this brutality.

A Chronicle of Violence

Eyewitnesses report that security forces escalated their crackdown on October 20th as Friday prayers concluded. Stones were hurled at peaceful worshippers leaving the Great Mosallah, and when protesters began to march down Razi Street, security forces encircled them and ordered them to wait. Shortly after, tear gas and shotguns were unlawfully used against the peaceful protesters, resulting in injuries to several teenagers.

A minority of protesters responded by throwing stones, leading to the dispersal of the crowd through gunfire and the use of water cannons. Security forces pursued fleeing protesters, beating and arresting anyone within their reach, including children. The violence continued inside the Grand Makki Mosque, where tear gas was fired and staff guarding the entrance was violently arrested.

Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Lab reviewed videos and images, supporting witness testimonies. Some footage captured young children with open wounds and injuries on their heads.

Mass Arrests and Torture

Hundreds of worshippers outside the Great Mosallah were arrested, while others were beaten and warned against attending future prayers. The arrested individuals were taken to various detention centers, where they reported severe beatings, along with further torture and ill-treatment. Some detainees were released or moved to different facilities, but their whereabouts were often kept secret.

Amnesty International obtained accounts describing the widespread torture and ill-treatment of detainees, including children, during their transfer and inside the detention centers. Detainees were severely beaten with batons, sustaining fractures to their hands and legs. Paintball launchers were fired at their backs and hips at close range, leaving penetrating injuries.

A Call for International Action

Eyewitnesses have noted an increased deployment of security forces in Zahedan, suggesting a calculated crackdown on the weekly protests. Baluchi human rights organization Haalvsh has reported threats made by the chief of Iran‘s police to local tribal and religious leaders. Local residents fear further violence and repression.

Amnesty International calls on the international community to press the Iranian authorities to allow unimpeded access to the UN Fact Finding Mission that will investigate human rights violations related to the uprising. The voices of the Baluchi protesters must be heard, and immediate action is necessary to address their dire situation.

Conclusion

The Iranian authorities’ relentless and brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in Zahedan has raised serious concerns about human rights violations. The use of unlawful force, torture, and mass arrests against protesters, including children, is unacceptable and must be condemned by the international community. Urgent action is needed to hold those responsible accountable and to protect the rights of the Baluchi minority in Iran.

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