Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealed on Friday that the Iranian regime has escalated its oppressive measures against the Azeri ethnic minority, utilising severe charges and long prison sentences as tools to stifle dissent. The situation has deteriorated notably since October 2024, resulting in the imprisonment of around two dozen Azeri activists following unjust trials. Sentences vary from three to 14 years for accusations such as ‘propaganda against the state’ and ‘forming opposition groups’.
Reports indicate that these detainees face harsh conditions, including denied medical care and solitary confinement, coupled with psychological coercion. HRW’s acting Iran researcher, Nahid Naghshbandi, described these actions as intended to “crush civil society and prevent ethnic minorities from demanding their basic rights.” The plight of activists connected to civil rights and environmental causes highlights the regime’s broader suppression of dissent amidst accusations of lacking credible evidence.
The Azeris, Iran’s most populous ethnic minority and predominantly situated in the northwest region, have historically endured systemic discrimination and repression of their cultural and political expressions. Various human rights organisations have documented harrowing accounts of abuse, such as torture and sexual violence, particularly during the turmoil of 2022 protests, which have exacerbated the environment for ethnic minorities, with recent reports detailing increased violence and arbitrary detentions against them.
Human Rights Watch reports that Iran is increasing repression of its Azeri minority amid a crackdown on dissent, with numerous activists facing harsh sentences and unjust treatment in prisons. The regime uses severe charges to silence those advocating for civil rights and environmental issues, while detainees suffer from poor conditions and psychological pressure. Historical patterns of discrimination against ethnic minorities in Iran further complicate this dire situation.
In summary, the intensified repression by Iranian authorities against the Azeri minority indicates a troubling trend in human rights violations. Systematic targeting of activists, coupled with oppressive charges and conditions of detention, underscores a broader agenda of silencing dissent. The ongoing struggle of the Azeri people for their rights reflects a critical need for awareness and intervention amidst growing state-sponsored violence against ethnic minorities in Iran.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
