Iran executes 30 Baluch in seven days

Over the course of one week, Iranian security forces hanged and killed dozens of people, almost all of them Baluch, LCHR’s sources on the ground report.

Seventeen young Baluch were hanged on the morning of December 27, 2007, the sources said in their appeal to the international community, adding, “The government did not allow the publication of the hanging to be reflected in any media. This was not the first time that a large number of people were executed in one day. This has been the official policy of the Iranian regime to engage in a systematic oppression of Baluch people since its emergence 30 years ago.”

Over the course of three days after the start of the New Year, several more Iranians were killed. The first day saw the hanging of 13 Iranians, more than half of them reportedly Baluch. The second day saw two more hangings and two other Baluch men shot to death. Then, “on the third day of the New Year, two Baluch teenagers were shot dead in Zahedan while they were carrying water,” the appeal said.

The appeal adds, “Mohammad Reza Sarawani, deputy of Social Affairs of Baluchistan province announced that 76 percent of the Baluch people live under the poverty line, the official news agency of Shana reported on 31 December 07. The official average figure for people who are living under the poverty line in Iran is 11 percent. A very simple comparison of the Baluch people who are living under the poverty line and the rest of Iranian population clearly indicates a comprehensive discrimination policy against the people of Baluchistan. The Baluch people who are living in such conditions are also subjected to various ways of oppression and repression. This is clearly a crime against humanity to keep the Baluch people poor and backwards and whenever they raise the voice four demanding their legitimate and basic rights, they become the target of the most inhuman and oppressive policies.”

For the full appeal, click here.