’They Were Laughing’: Iranian Border Guards Accused Of Torturing, Drowning Afghan Migrants - Radio free Europe
The United Nations estimates the number of Afghan citizens in Iran at just under 1 million. Tehran puts the figure of documented and undocumented Afghan refugees and migrants closer to 3 million.
For decades, Afghans weary of war and poverty have turned to Iran to earn a living. Tehran has expelled many Afghans, who are often blamed for insecurity and unemployment, and periodically threatens those who remain with mass expulsion.
To escape war and poverty, Shah Wali left his village in northwestern Afghanistan in search of a better life in neighboring Iran.
As the 28-year-old set off on his journey, he was gripped by fear.
Iranian border guards beat, shot at, and even killed Afghan migrants who illegally crossed the border. And even if he reached Iran, he would be subjected to the violence and injustice suffered by many members of Iran’s sizable Afghan community.
#Covid-19#Iran#Afghan#frontière#fermeture#migrant#migration
▻https://www.rferl.org/a/iranian-border-guards-accused-of-torturing-drowning-afghan-migrants/30595702.html
