Joint Statement on the Detention and Uncertain Status of Azerbaijani Turk Activists in Iran’s Evin Prison

A coalition of human rights organizations has issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the detention and harsh treatment of Azerbaijani Turk political and civil activists in Iran’s Evin Prison. Among the signatories is the Balochistan Human Rights Group, alongside more than 20 other organizations, all condemning the arbitrary arrests and indefinite detention of these activists without access to their legal rights.

The activists, who were arrested in February 2024 in cities such as Ardabil, Tabriz, and Karaj, continue to be held without fair trial or legal representation. The statement highlights violations of both domestic and international laws, including denial of access to lawyers, medical care, and temporary release on bail. In protest against these conditions, several of the detainees have undertaken hunger strikes, further putting their health at risk.

The signatories demand the immediate and unconditional release of all Azerbaijani Turk activists, as well as a fair judicial process that ensures access to legal defense and case files. They also call for urgent medical attention for prisoners in critical condition and an investigation into the mistreatment of detainees.

Among the organizations endorsing the statement are:

1. Abdorrahman Boroumand Center
2. Ahwaz Human Rights Organization (AHRO)
3. All Human Rights for All in Iran
4. Association for the Human Rights of the Azerbaijani People in Iran (HRAZ)
5. Balochistan Human Rights Group
6. Baloch Campaign
7. Center for Supporters of Human Rights (CIHRS)
8. Defenders of Human Rights Center
9. Ensemble contre la peine de mort (ECPM)
10. Femena
11. Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI)
12. Miaan
13. Impactiran
14. Iran Human Rights
15. Iran Human Rights Documentation Center
16. Kurdistan Human Rights Association – Geneva
17. Kurdistan Human Rights Network
18. Kurdpa
19. Rasank
20. Siamak Pourzand Foundation
21. United for Iran
22. Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)
23. Shiwarnews
24. Tuhra

The statement stresses the critical role of international pressure in improving the human rights situation in Iran and urges the global community to take sustained and effective action to bring an end to these violations.