According to the Balochistan Human Rights Group, at dawn on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the death sentences of 22 prisoners, including two Baloch prisoners, three Afghan nationals, and two women, were carried out in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. Seven of these individuals were Sunni Muslims. The charges included drug-related offenses, murder, and other crimes.
Identities of the Executed Baloch Prisoners
Abdullah Shahnawazi (Hamza Zaruzehi), 45 years old, son of Abdolghafour, married with four children, from Zahedan.
Khalil Nohtani, 35 years old, son of Mousa, with three children, from Zahedan.
Abdullah Shahnawazi was arrested in 2021 in Tehran by military forces on drug-related charges and was sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court two years ago. His execution was carried out without a final visit with his family. He, along with six other prisoners, including two women, was transferred to solitary confinement for the execution. The sentence was carried out after a phone call and farewell with his family.
Execution of Khalil Nohtani
Khalil Nohtani was arrested approximately three years ago in Tehran on murder charges and was sentenced to death by the court. He was executed after a final meeting with his family.
Execution Statistics in Iran
According to available reports, at least 184 Baloch prisoners were executed on various charges in 26 different cities in Iran in 2023. Among these, Zahedan Prison with 54 executions and Birjand Prison with 31 executions had the highest numbers. Additionally, at least four women were among these executed prisoners.
This report highlights the critical human rights situation in Iran and the increasing number of executions in recent years. The international community and human rights organizations must pay more attention to this issue and work towards halting this trend.
