Iranian Authorities Arrest Baloch Man Lacking National Identification

Hengaw: Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Iranian security forces have arrested Abdulmalek Shahouzehi, a 38-year-old resident of Zabol in Sistan and Baluchestan province.

According to a report obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Shahouzehi was taken into custody by Iranian security forces on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

As reported by the Baloch Activists Campaign, the Iranian security agencies, in response to the inquiries about the whereabouts of this Shaouzehi by his family, have claimed that following his arrest, he was transferred to a foreign nationals' camp and then to an unknown location in Zahedan.

As of the time of this report, there is no information available regarding the reasons for the arrest, the place of detention, and the charges against this Baloch man.

The province of Sistan and Baluchestan faces significant issues due to central government policies, which have resulted in thousands of individuals lacking national identification. These individuals are often deprived of essential healthcare and welfare services. Additionally, they are subject to frequent arrests by security agencies and, in some cases, are forcibly relocated to neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan.