Continued Protest Fridays in Zahedan; Government Forces Attacked Protesters

Images and videos shared on social media indicate the continuation of protest Fridays in Zahedan, as well as the assault by security and military forces of the Islamic Republic on protesters and the siege of Makki Mosque. The website "Halosh," which focuses on issues in Sistan and Baluchestan province, reported that security and military forces attacked protesters after Friday prayers at Makki Mosque in Zahedan and besieged the mosque. According to this report, the Islamic Republic's security and military forces attempted to enter Makki Mosque. Halosh reported that a large number of protesters were violently arrested, and the routes leading to Makki Mosque are heavily controlled by military and security forces. According to some videos, protesters were chanting: "Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life is for Iran." This slogan has been chanted by protesters in various demonstrations in recent years. According to "sources" cited by Halosh, "military and security forces are transferring detainees, some of whom are injured, using buses and military and personal vehicles." In this context, the website Kolbar News quoted "Baluch sources" stating that security and military forces "have resorted to widespread use of pepper spray" against protesters. Videos from Zahedan show that security and military forces have a significant presence in the city, and clashes have occurred between the people and military forces in some areas. The continuation of protest Fridays in Zahedan despite the security atmosphere on October 13, with protesters chanting "dishonorable" against the IRGC, indicates a heavy security presence and the deployment of repressive forces to prevent protests. Protesters in Zahedan again took to the streets "despite the ongoing heavy security atmosphere." Molavi Abdolhamid stated: "The slogan of destroying Israel is useless; two nations must live together."