Two Baluch Citizens Killed by Iranian Police in Southeast

Iranian police in Iranshahr, in the restless Sistan-Baluchestan province, fatally shot two unarmed Baluch citizens without prior warning.

The incident took place Friday evening, though the reasons behind the shooting remain unclear.

While the identities of the victims have not been released, the security-affiliated Tasnim news agency provided a conflicting account. It cited Doustali Jalilian, the police commander of Sistan-Baluchestan, who claimed the individuals were armed and had attacked a police patrol unit while shouting religious slogans.

However, Haalvash that covers developments in the province contested the claim, releasing two videos showing the two men walking peacefully on a sidewalk before being abruptly fired upon from multiple directions, leading to their immediate deaths.

Following the incident, security forces sealed off the scene and removed the bodies, raising concerns about the transparency of the operation. This episode is not an isolated occurrence in the region. Baluch activists report that such incidents of unprovoked shooting by police are common.

A similar case occurred on May 13 in downtown Saravan, where military and security personnel shot at a family car from several angles without warning, killing a 14-year-old and severely injuring other family members. The local police commander later branded the victims as criminals with a violent history, a claim often disputed by local communities and activists.

The human rights organization HRANA noted that in 2023, Iran saw 402 victims of shootings by security forces, resulting in 120 deaths. The Baluch minority, residing in one of the poorest regions of Iran, has long faced severe persecution, including executions and allegations of unfair trials, particularly concerning drug-related charges.