UN Rapporteur warns of minority rights violations in Iran

Mai Satō, the United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, has issued a warning regarding the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities facing the death penalty. Satō noted that ethnic marginalization in Iran extends beyond social and economic spheres, impacting judicial processes, investigations, and sentencing.

According to the report, ethnic groups including Kurds, Baluchis, Ahwazi Arabs, Azeri Turks, and Turkmens face systemic obstacles in the justice system. These include a lack of access to interpreters, torture to extract confessions, and the use of security-based charges without credible evidence. Satō highlighted specific cases, such as those of Farhad Baran Zehi and Hatem Ozdemir, expressing serious concern over potential executions following flawed legal proceedings.

Religious minorities also face significant restrictions. Baha'is report exclusion from higher education and government employment, while some Christian denominations are treated as security threats. Followers of the Yarsan faith similarly face limitations in accessing government positions. Satō emphasized that these forms of marginalization must be addressed alongside ethnic discrimination in judicial investigations.