Human Rights Campaign in Iran: The Islamic Republic Intensifies Suppression of Ethnic Minorities

Human rights media report an increase in the detention and widespread repression of Arab, Baluch, and Kurdish citizens and activists over the past month. According to these reports, dozens have been arrested in various cities across Iran, including Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Kurdistan. Hadi Ghaemi, the director of the Iran Human Rights Campaign, emphasized the "intensification of the Islamic Republic's campaign of terror and intimidation" against Kurds, Arabs, and Baluchis, stating that these actions are part of a "structural and overarching policy of the Islamic Republic to silence dissenting voices." Radio Farda reported on January 20 that 20 Arab activists were arrested in various cities of Khuzestan within just five days. However, activists have reported an increase in the number of detainees in recent days: "At least 20 Arab activists" have been arrested in Khuzestan. Additionally, media outlets such as Hengaw, HRANA, and Kurdpa reported last week on the detention of citizens and activists in Kurdistan following a general strike. The general strikes in Kurdistan occurred on January 23 and 24 in protest against the death sentences of Vrishe Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi. According to reports from human rights media, the number of detainees due to this strike has reached at least 11. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Human Rights Campaign, Hengaw, and Kurdpa reported the detention of five more Kurdish citizens named Behnam Mahmoudi, Hiwa Amini, Anwar Kord, Keyvan Niknam, and Ali Rasoulian on January 31 and February 1 in the cities of Bukan, Saqez, and Mahabad by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence. The Baluch Activists Campaign and Halwash also reported on January 8 the arrest of at least 38 Baluch citizens in the Nasratabad area of Zahedan. Human Rights Watch, in its annual report released in late January, announced that the human rights situation in Iran has worsened in 2024. This report also highlighted structural discrimination against Sunni Muslims and ethnic minorities such as Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Arabs, and Baluchis, and criticized the use of lethal force by government forces against Kurdish porters. The severe government crackdown and the risk of protests going underground are significant.