The Iranian government is reportedly employing tactics of bribery and coercion to fabricate displays of support within the Sistan and Baluchestan province. This strategy extends to various minority groups throughout the country, according to a Baloch human rights activist, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons.
### Human Rights Violations in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province
Known simply as “B,” the activist has a decade-long history of imprisonment due to his association with the People’s Fighters Front, an opposition group formed by Sunni Baloch nationalists. The group has experienced a resurgence in hostilities recently, primarily because of successful strikes against Iran’s security forces. B emphasizes the grave circumstances endured by the Baloch community since the Iranian revolution, detailing the psychological impacts of continuous executions and the extreme poverty that persists despite the province’s rich oil and mineral resources.
In Sistan and Baluchestan, which is roughly 10% of Iran’s land area, families within the Baloch community have suffered devastating losses, with every household reportedly affected by violence from the regime—be it through executions or shootings. According to the NGO Iran Human Rights, at least 108 Baloch individuals lost their lives to state-sanctioned executions in 2024, disproportionate to their small population percentage in the country.
### Discrimination Against Sunni and Zikri Communities
Most Baloch individuals practice Islam, primarily as Sunnis or Zikris. Unfortunately, the Iranian regime labels them as heretical, resulting in widespread discrimination. B stated that the government often accuses the Baloch and other minorities of having ties to foreign entities like Israel, primarily because these groups focus on local abuses rather than distant geopolitical conflicts.
He mentioned that members of armed factions in the area are pressured by the government to redirect their hostility towards external enemies like Israel instead of addressing local issues. However, B argues that the majority of Baloch people wish to coexist peacefully, stating, “They believe Israelis should be able to live a simple life alongside Palestinians.”
### Economic Disadvantages and Opportunities
The economic challenges faced by the Baloch are exacerbated by systemic discrimination, leaving many in a dire economic state. The governmental Selection Law restricts their social mobility, forcing some to resort to smuggling subsidized fuel to survive. Tragically, attempts at smuggling have often led to fatal encounters with security forces, who deliberately open fire on the fuel transport.
B referenced the case of Ya’qub Mehrnahad, a young blogger executed after a widely condemned trial. This incident exemplifies the lack of justice within the Baloch community. “They punish and torture people,” B explained, detailing how individuals are coerced into making forced confessions for broadcast on state television.
### Community Resilience and Aspirations
Reflecting on his time in prison, B noted seeing numerous minors and detainees held without charges, demonstrating clear violations of human rights. He painted a grim picture of daily life, where families struggle to afford basic necessities and children attend schools lacking essential resources. Even the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which would generally worsen conditions, has not negatively impacted the Baloch as the regime only benefits from goods that do not reach the community.
B emphasized that any wealth derived from global trade routes supports the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rather than the Baloch people. “Every penny that comes through this Strait… benefits the regime, not us,” he asserted, echoing the sentiment that they would prefer the blockade to weaken the regime’s power.
In closing, the activist expressed solidarity with all people seeking peace, regardless of their background, stating, “We have the right to life and peace. You and I are human beings, and we are no different from anyone else.” He remains hopeful for a future where communities can coexist harmoniously, liberated from the regime’s oppression.