Amnesty International

Human Rights Watch

European Union Human Rights Commission

General Secretary of the United Nations

United Nation’s Commission on Human Rights

6^th September 2007

Subject: Extradition of 16 Baloch from Pakistan to Iran

 Dears,

We are deeply concerned about the current negotiation on extradition of 16 Baloch from Pakistan to Iran, as Iran is vigorously persistent to pursue their speedy extradition and undoubtedly their summary execution once extradited.

These are deprived Baloch who as a group made a totally desperate attempt to raise awareness among Baloch people and international community at large on relentless and grotesque violation of human rights situation in Balochistan by the Iran’s brutal regime by taking some officials and their companies hostage. Iran’s regime has been executing Baloch at will in a summary execution manner. There is hardly any week without an execution of Baloch by the regime under fabricated charges.

The incident occurred on 19th August 2007 inside Balochistan, and the hostages were taken across the border to Balochistan, Pakistan. As their motive was political, they harmed none of the hostages. Few days later the group was confronted and arrested by frontier corps of Pakistan. It appears that they had no intention of any harm to their hostages since they could have been used to bargain for a safe passage.

Now that they are subject to extradition in accordance to a treaty signed between Iran and Pakistan, the Iranian regime has sent a very high level delegation. Iran is adamant to have these Baloch extradited so that they are put to execution in public in order to establish an environment of terror and intimidation and subjugation in Balochistan.

The treatment of prisoners in Iran is utterly deplorable by any standard. The general view and findings of international human rights organizations on fundamental human rights in Iran is that violation of even basic rights is institutional and extensive by the regime. The concern for the harsh and unfair treatment of Baloch by the regime in Iran was expressed in a public statement on 5^th September 2007 by Amnesty International (AI Index: MDE 13/110/2007 News Service No: 171).

Therefore in the event of extradition of Baloch to Iran by Pakistan, they would definitely face harshest torture and execution. Please note that Balochistan National Movement-Iran does not subscribe to their action and our concern is merely on protection of fundamental human rights, in this case sanctity of life.

However we appeal to you to take urgent action and write to Pakistan and ask for immediate halt on their extradition to Iran as Pakistan itself is capable of providing trial for their actions. Please note that Iran is forceful and adamant in its demand for extradition of these Baloch, therefore much more efforts are needed to stop the extradition.

Human rights norms and values exert an obligation to us all to protect life.

We have confidence that every possible action will be made by you to protect life and for this matter to prevent execution of these Baloch by Iran.

Regards,

Balochistan National Movement – Iran