Iran has executed another Baloch prisoner in Birjand Central Prison, according to Haalvsh, a news outlet covering Western (Iran-administrated) Balochistan.
Haalvsh reported that 30-year-old Dawood Qolijayi, son of Mir Ahmad and a resident of Zabul, was executed on Monday without being allowed a final meeting with his family. Dawood was arrested in 2018 on drug-related charges in Birjand city and sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.
Sources revealed that Dawood had informed his family on Sunday of his transfer. His family quickly traveled from Zabul, hoping for a final meeting. However, upon arriving at the prison on Monday, they were informed by officials that the execution had already been carried out at dawn.
The western Balochistan region has witnessed a disproportionately high number of executions in recent years, often targeting marginalized communities. Advocacy groups are urging greater transparency and reform in Iran’s judicial and prison systems to ensure fair trials and humane treatment of prisoners.
Baloch activists argue that Dawood’s case highlights the ongoing human rights crisis and the systemic injustices faced by minority groups in Iran. The denial of a final family meeting underscores the harsh treatment of Baloch citizens within the justice system.
According to reports from Baloch human rights organizations, at least 184 Baloch prisoners were executed on various charges in 2023 across 26 cities in Iran. Zahedan Prison recorded the highest number of executions with 54 cases, followed by Birjand Prison with 31 cases. Among those executed, at least four were women.
Human rights groups continue to call for international attention to address these violations and advocate for the rights of minority communities in Iran.