Iranian Baloch Activist In Danger Of Deportation From Sweden

Iranian human rights organizations have issued a warning regarding the potential deportation of Asma MirBalochzahi, a Baloch human rights activist, from Sweden back to Iran.

In response to the Swedish Migration Agency's decision to approve MirBalochzahi's deportation, a petition spearheaded by Ashfaque Ali Baloch on Change.org reveals that, "During her time in Sweden, Asma MirBalochzahi has faced relentless threats from the Iranian government, putting her life at grave risk."

Baloch said the Swedish Immigration Department's decision to approve her deportation is "deeply troubling", with the reasons as yet unclear. "It not only jeopardizes her safety but also contradicts the principles of humanity and the values upheld by the European Union," warns the petition.

MirBalochzahi, 34, also known as Asma Baloch, hails from Bam in Iran's Kerman province and has been at the forefront of documenting human rights violations.

According to the Baloch human rights organization, Halvash, MirBalochzahi and her family faced repeated threats from the regime during the nationwide protests following the murder of Mahsa Amini in 2022 raising fears over the imminent danger she would face if deported to Iran.

Highlighting MirBalochzahi's role in shedding light on the persecution of fuel smugglers, extrajudicial executions, and arbitrary shootings by regime security forces, the Kurdish human rights agency, Hengaw, emphasized her invaluable contributions to human rights advocacy.

The plight of Baloch Iranians was highlighted during the 2022 protests, ignited by Mahsa Amini's killing at the hands of Iran's morality police, the minority being dealt severe punishments for participating in the uprising, including execution. The Sistan-Baluchistan Province, predominantly Baloch, bore the brunt of the regime's brutal crackdown during the unrest.