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Summary
This report has been prepared by Azerbaijani human rights advocates, shedding light on the current state of human rights violations against Azerbaijani Turks in Iran. This collaborative initiative results from the combined endeavors of the Foundation for Inclusive Advancement, situated in the US, and a network of dedicated Azerbaijani human rights activists operating within Iran. By focusing on the severe infringement of minority rights in Iran, our primary objective is to present a balanced account of human rights abuses perpetrated by the Iranian government.
Iran is a diverse, multiethnic nation, with Persians constituting less than half of its population. The majority of non-Persian ethnic groups predominantly reside in the border provinces, creating a contrast with the Persian-dominated central regions. Notably, over 40 percent of Iran’s populace lacks proficiency in the Persian language.
The Azerbaijanis, an ethnic Turkic group, represent Iran’s most significant minority, primarily living in West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Zanjan, Qazvin, Hamadan, Alborz, and Tehran provinces, bordered by Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan. During an official visit to Turkey in January 2012, then-Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi underscored the shared cultural ties between Turkey and Iran, revealing that 40 percent of Iranians speak Turkish, indicating a significant ethnically Turkic demographic in the country.
In Iran, despite its diverse makeup, minority rights have been subjected to brutal abuse by the government. The Islamic regime, akin to its predecessor, the Pahlavi monarchy, has consistently minimized and deliberately overlooked the distinctions between Persians and Azerbaijanis. This attitude is starkly evident in the regime’s unhesitant crackdown on the activities of Azerbaijani Turks.
In the context of human rights violations, the third quarter of 2023 bore witness to the apprehension of 33 individuals by the authorities. Notably, some have found temporary reprieve through granted release after posting bail, pending the conclusion of their legal proceedings. Beyond the newly detained, this report delves into updates on previously arrested cases, highlighting the exile of one individual to a remote area.
The summoning of 30 individuals by security forces, including six women, underscores the comprehensive nature of these actions. Regrettably, at least six individuals met the gravest fate, facing execution by hanging under capital punishment sentences. A female civil activist faced academic suspension, and the operations of at least one civil association were halted. Moreover, an individual serving an extended prison term has been stripped of telephone communication privileges, adding to the troubling circumstances. A woman was fined for participating in civil activities, indicative of punitive measures against peaceful engagement. Additionally, four individuals have been recorded facing threats from security forces, contributing to the overall distressing landscape.
