Balochistan Human Rights Group – January 2026
The Balochistan Human Rights Group reports that at least 15 Baloch citizens were killed during the nationwide protests in Iran in January 2026 due to direct fire by military and security forces. The victims, ranging in age from 11 to 45, included men, women, and a child. Many were laborers who had traveled to other cities for work, and several were not actively participating in protests at the time of their deaths.
Among the victims were: Jalil Doostyar (22) in Meybod, Hodifa Oustakh (11) in Mashhad, Mohsen Arbabi (20) in Karaj, Dastgir Gargij (around 30) in Mashhad, Esmaeil Qalandarzehi (21) in Bandar Abbas, Ayoub Resaneh (36) in Rask, Naser Jahanbin (25) in Qeshm, Hossein Mohebpour (26) in Kish, Mohammad Paybast (45) in Tehran, Marzieh Kamali (21) in Kerman, Hassan Shayesteh (35) in Tehran, Ehsan Toofan (40) in Bandar Abbas, Mohammad Sarani (30) in Shahriar, Ebrahim Qaljai in Mashhad, and Moslem Hasanzahi (20) in Nowshahr.
The killings occurred in different cities, and reports indicate that the use of live ammunition against civilians was widespread and indiscriminate. Several victims were shot while not participating in demonstrations or while performing routine activities. In some cases, families reported delayed or inadequate medical treatment, resulting in preventable deaths.
The January protests began in early January 2026 in Tehran and rapidly spread nationwide. The government imposed a widespread internet shutdown on 8 January 2026, severely restricting reporting and delaying documentation of casualties. Verified reports indicate that more than 36,500 protesters were killed nationwide during these events.
The Balochistan Human Rights Group condemns the systematic use of lethal force, calls for an independent international investigation, and demands protection for witnesses and victims’ families. These acts represent a gross violation of human rights and international standards for the protection of civilians and the management of assemblies.
Balochistan Human Rights Group – January 2026
