Description

On October 20, 2023, Baloch protesters gathered for peaceful demonstrations after Friday prayers at the Makki Mosque in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran. The protesters confronted security forces, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and security forces in civilian clothing. These forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons, and severely physically assaulted protesters and passersby, including 10-year-old children.

Hundreds of protesters and pedestrians were arbitrarily arrested and detained. Reports indicate that the detainees were transferred to the Imam Ali sports complex in Zahedan before being moved to various detention centers, including a detention center under the control of the Revolutionary Guards, where they faced further beatings and mistreatment. Testimonies from prisoners indicate that they have also been subjected to torture and inappropriate behavior in detention centers.

Events:
- Arrests and detentions: On October 20, 2023, hundreds of protesters and passersby were arrested after the protests in the vicinity of the Makki Mosque. The victims included both children and adults.
- Inappropriate treatment and transfers: The arrested individuals were transferred to the Imam Ali sports complex, where they were beaten by security forces before being moved to various detention centers, including one under the control of the Revolutionary Guards. Detainees reported being subjected to torture and mistreatment during their detention.
- Conditions of detention: Prisoners were subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment during their time at the Imam Ali sports complex and later at detention centers, including one under the control of the Revolutionary Guards.

Legal and human rights considerations:
- Use of excessive force: The excessive use of force by security forces against peaceful protesters, including children, violated the right to freedom of assembly and the prohibition of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
- Arbitrary detention: The mass arrests and prolonged detention without access to legal representation violated international human rights laws concerning arbitrary detention and the right to a fair trial.
- Torture and ill-treatment: The reports of torture and mistreatment during detention highlight violations of international human rights standards, including the prohibition of torture.
- Ethnic discrimination: The treatment of the Baloch protesters raises concerns about racial and ethnic discrimination, as the Baloch community has long faced systemic repression in Iran.

Categories

• Suppression of Protests

Violation Types

• Right to freedom and personal security
• Freedom of Assembly and Association
• Prohibition of Torture or to Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
• Right to Freedom from Racial Discrimination

Possible International Crimes

• Torture as a crime against humanity
• Imprisonment and imposing severe restrictions on individuals' freedom as a crime against humanity
• Forced abduction as a crime against humanity
• Harassment and torture as crimes against humanity, in political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, and gender domains
• Crime against humanity through an inhumane act that has significant effects