Balochistan: Human Rights Activist to Report to Prison After Inability to Pay 400 Million Toman Fine

DOZZAAP, BALOCHISTAN: Turan Hamalzaei, a prominent Baloch human rights and social activist, has announced that she will report to prison to serve a six-month sentence after being unable to pay a 400 million Toman fine imposed on her by the Revolutionary Court of Zahedan, Iranian Occupied Balochistan. The 55-year-old, who resides in Pahra (Iranshahr), made the announcement on Sunday, November 23, 2025, through a post on her Instagram account.

Hamalzaei was sentenced by the 2nd branch of the Revolutionary Court to a heavy fine in connection with charges of “disrupting public opinion” and “propaganda against the regime,” which stem from events in 2023. Initially, she was handed a six-month prison sentence, but due to her severe health condition, the sentence was converted to a monetary fine following a request from her lawyer.

In her Instagram post, Hamalzaei said: “Due to my inability to pay the 400 million Toman unjust fine during my conviction, I will report to Zahedan Central Prison on December 15, 2025, to serve my six-month prison sentence. My crime was simply standing with the families of the martyrs and victims of the Bloody Fridays in Zahedan and Khash.”

She has faced years of harassment and intimidation from Iran’s security forces due to her activism. Her support for the families of victims of the “Bloody Fridays” protests in Zahedan and Khash, where Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) attacked peaceful protesters killings and injuring hundreds of them, has made her a target of state repression.

In December 2024, she was the victim of an assassination attempt when three unknown assailants opened fire on her vehicle. Her grandchild, “Saya,” was also in the car at the time, and the driver was severely beaten. The attack is believed to be related to Hamalzaei’s outspoken support for victims of state violence.

Following the “Bloody Friday” protests, Hamalzaei was repeatedly threatened and summoned by Iranian security agencies, who accused her of stirring dissent. In March 2025, she was subjected to a violent assault during an attempt by security forces to arrest or kidnap her, which resulted in severe injuries to her foot and spine.

Hamalzaei’s health has worsened as a result of the physical abuse she has suffered. During one of her brief detentions, she was given two unidentified pills, which led to a dramatic decline in her immune system. Doctors have advised her to seek treatment abroad, but she has been barred from leaving the country. She is now receiving online medical care under the supervision of foreign doctors.

Despite her deteriorating health, Hamalzaei has remained a vocal advocate for human rights and the rights of the Baloch people, standing in solidarity with the families of those killed or injured in the ongoing crackdown on protests in the region.

Hamalzaei’s case has drawn attention from human rights organisations, who have called for her immediate release and for accountability for the abuse she has suffered at the hands of Iranian authorities. Critics of the regime have pointed to the continued repression of Baloch activists and human rights defenders in the region, urging the international community to hold Iran accountable for its treatment of dissenters.

As Hamalzari prepares to report to prison, her supporters have expressed concern over her safety and well-being, urging the authorities to ensure she receives the medical treatment she needs while serving her sentence.