Report: Deaths and Suicides of Baloch Citizens in Iranian Prisons

DOZZAAP (Zahedan(: According to reports from Baloch Activists Campaign, at least seven Baloch citizens died in Iranian prisons and detention centers during the first six months of 2024 due to a lack of medical care or torture by military forces.

Additionally, it was reported that two Baloch citizens, one of whom was facing a death sentence, committed suicide in Zahedan prison.

These individuals had repeatedly denied the accusations against them, and judicial and military authorities failed to substantiate the charges, yet court verdicts were issued against them.

It is worth noting that Iran routinely executes hundreds of Baloch citizens each year under charges of Moharebeh (enmity against God) and alleged drug-related offenses.

The families of these victims, as well as local rights groups, vehemently deny these charges and accuse Iran of discriminatory treatment against Baloch prisoners based on national identity and religious grounds.

Also on July 1, 2024, Iranian security forces in Khash arrested a popular Baloch singer and transferred him to an undisclosed location, according to the Baloch Activists Campaign.

Sources confirmed the identity of the detained individual as Asif Sauri son of Abdul Aziz and resident of Khash.

Mr. Sauri was apprehended on Khayaban Saadi in Khash without a judicial order or explanation of charges.

“At the time of arrest, military forces took Mr. Sauri into custody and moved him to an unknown destination,” sources stated.

As of now, there has been no official information released regarding the reasons for Asif Sauri’s arrest, the charges against him, or his current whereabouts.

Notably, Asif Sauri is the brother of Agha Hussain Sauri, the former president of the Iran Boxing Federation.