In 2023, according to Balochistan, human rights group, a total of 1,112 instances of detentions of Baloch citizens were recorded, with eight cases being mass detentions carried out by military forces. Most of these detentions were linked to peaceful protests against the Islamic Republic of Iran, resulting in hundreds remaining incarcerated without clarity until the end of 2023. Many faced severe judicial sentences, including at least seven sentenced to execution.
The lack of transparency from Iranian judicial and security authorities suggests that thousands of Baloch citizens were detained by military and security entities throughout 2023. The unrest stemmed from widespread protests following the violation of a 15-year-old by a police commander in Chabahar in late September 2022, leading to extensive protests and strikes across various regions of Balochistan.
The military forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran engaged in shootings towards protesters in Zahedan and Khash on September 30 and November 4, 2022, resulting in the death and injury of hundreds. These incidents triggered continuous widespread protests on Fridays, particularly in Zahedan, leading to the detention of thousands by security forces over thirteen months.
