Balochistan: Families of Victims of Zahedan and Khash Massacre Demand Justice

DOZAAP (ZAHEDAN): A group of families whose loved ones were killed or wounded during the Bloody Friday massacre in Zahedan and Khash have issued a strong statement condemning the sentences handed down by the Iranian government for those responsible for the shooting of civilians. The families also criticised the payment of blood money to the victims’ families, calling it a failed attempt by the government to downplay the atrocity.

The statement, released by the Baloch Activists Campaign on Thursday, January 16, 2025, decries the government’s handling of the case, describing the Bloody Friday incident as an example of systematic repression and the violation of human rights. On that fateful day, Iranian security forces opened fire on unarmed worshippers, killing over 120 people and injuring more than 300 others during a religious gathering in Zahedan. The aftermath of the attack included widespread arrests and reports of torture, leading to further outrage.

The families said that the actions of the Iranian forces constitute a clear violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially Article 3, which guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security. They also pointed out the government’s failure to hold higher-ranking officials accountable for their roles in the massacre, instead only punishing a few low-ranking officers with minor sentences of up to 10 years in prison.

The statement questions the legitimacy of the show trial conducted in response to the incident, asking why senior officials have not been prosecuted and whether these trials are simply a tool for the government to escape full accountability. “Are these show trials simply a tool to escape justice and placate public opinion?” the statement asks, highlighting the lack of real consequences for those at the top of the chain of command.

The families have also called for international bodies, including the United Nations and human rights organisations, to conduct an independent investigation into the massacre and bring those responsible to justice. The statement demands targeted sanctions against Iranian officials involved in the incident and urges diplomatic pressure to secure the release of detainees and provide compensation to the victims’ families.

Furthermore, the statement added that the Bloody Friday massacre is a clear case of a crime against humanity, citing the use of military force against a peaceful religious gathering as a direct violation of international law. It calls on international courts to pursue legal action against the perpetrators and urges the Iranian government to ensure that justice is served fairly and impartially.

The families’ statement concludes by reaffirming their commitment to seeking justice for their loved ones and ensuring that the tragedy is not forgotten. “The voice of the oppressed is an eternal echo that will keep the human conscience awake,” they wrote, stressing that the memory of Bloody Friday will not be erased despite the government’s efforts to suppress it.

As international pressure grows, the case of the Bloody Friday massacre continues to draw attention from human rights organisations and global political figures, who are demanding accountability and action against Iran according UN conventions and International laws.