Body of Detained Protester Found in Zahedan; Human Rights Source: Sepehr Shirani Collaborated with Makki Mosque

According to a human rights source, the lifeless body of a 19-year-old citizen who had voluntarily collaborated with the security of Makki Mosque in Zahedan was found on the roof of his house after being detained by the IRGC intelligence agents, with a gunshot wound to his head. The 'Halosh' website, which monitors developments in southeastern Iran and Sistan and Baluchestan province, reported that Sepehr Shirani, 19, who was detained in Zahedan 'due to his activities on social media,' 'died under torture.' According to this report, the IRGC intelligence forces arrested Sepehr Shirani, son of 'Dr. Ali, from Fanouj and residing in Zahedan,' on February 10 due to 'activities on social media.' Halosh cited its sources stating that Sepehr Shirani occasionally 'volunteered to assist the security of Makki Mosque,' and after he 'left his house around 4 PM on Tuesday, February 10,' 'his phone went silent.' The Shirani family 'confirmed' his detention by the IRGC intelligence through inquiries and follow-ups, and officials informed them that 'the reason for his detention was due to activities on social media and said he would be released after answering a few questions.' Halosh sources also reported that around 4:30 AM on Wednesday, 'Sepehr's lifeless body, with a gunshot wound to the head, was found on the roof of their apartment.' An informed source told this media that the Shirani family 'had no information on how he was released from IRGC detention without their knowledge' and were unaware of how he ended up on the roof of their house. According to this source, 'given the history of security agencies, the circumstances of his death appear to be staged.' The report also mentioned that the Islamic Republic's intelligence officials had previously warned Sepehr Shirani 'about his activities on social media and his presence in the security of Makki Mosque and support for the protests on Fridays in Zahedan, telling him that he had no right to post about the protests anymore, but he did not heed these warnings.' It was also stated in the report that Sepehr Shirani's lifeless body 'is in the custody of the IRGC,' and his relatives are trying to retrieve the body from the forensic medicine department. Intelligence and judicial officials 'have not responded regarding the circumstances of Sepehr's death, which is believed to have occurred under torture.' A group of citizens in Zahedan marched after Friday prayers chanting 'Death to Khamenei.' Government agents arrested a 'prominent blogger' in Zahedan. Government forces were present around Makki Mosque in Zahedan; Abdulhamid stated that the people of Iran are in 'severe suffering.' Halosh reported that several citizens were arrested in Zahedan. Abdulhamid called for 'dialogue' between Iran and Pakistan; protesters in Zahedan chanted 'Death to Khamenei.'