Sunni Baloch Community

News:

Highlights:

Iran has executed over 300 people this year, with May having the highest monthly figure since 2015.
At least 307 people have been executed in 2023, a rise of over 75% compared to the same period last year.
In May, 142 people were executed, averaging over four hangings per day.
The executions include cases related to protests, as well as drug and murder convictions.
Ethnic minorities, particularly the largely Sunni Baluch minority, have been disproportionately targeted.

Why:

Campaigners believe Iran is intensifying executions to instil fear and suppress the protest movement that started in September.
The purpose is to spread societal fear and maintain the leadership’s rule.

Who:

Iran Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based rights group, reported the execution figures.
Sunni Baloch community:
- Sunni Balochs are an ethnic minority group in Iran.
- They primarily reside in the southeastern region of the country, near the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- The Balochs are part of the larger Baloch ethnic group found in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
- They have their own language, Balochi. They also have distinct cultural traditions and social structures. They have faced challenges such as marginalization, economic disparities, and cultural assimilation policies.

Question:

With respect to Iran’s human rights situation and ethnic minorities, consider the following statements:

Over 300 people have been executed in Iran in the year 2023.
The Sunni Baloch ethnic group is exclusive to Iran and does not reside in any other countries.
Iran Human Rights (IHR), the group that reported the execution figures, is based in Norway.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] All of the above

Answer:

[A] Only 1 and 3

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct as the text mentions that at least 307 people have been executed in Iran in 2023.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Sunni Baloch ethnic group is not exclusive to Iran. They also reside in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Statement 3 is correct. Iran Human Rights (IHR), the group reporting these figures, is indeed based in Norway.

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