Heightened Security Atmosphere in Various Cities of Sistan and Baluchestan Province

Reports from Zahedan and Khash indicate a heightened security atmosphere and the presence of government forces of the Islamic Republic in the streets of these two cities in Sistan and Baluchestan province on Friday, November 3. The human rights website "Halosh," which reflects news from Sistan and Baluchestan, reported that security and military forces of the Islamic Republic, on the eve of the anniversary of the "Bloody Friday" on November 3 last year in Khash, were present in the streets and around the Jamia Mosque of Khalil in this city, inspecting and conducting body searches on citizens. According to Halosh, in Zahedan, military and security forces set up checkpoints and tents in the alleys and streets around the prayer hall and Makki Mosque, subjecting citizens to inspections and body searches. Halosh noted that during the "Bloody Friday" on November 3 last year in Khash, at least 18 people were killed and over 70 were injured, including two minors. Following protests against the assault of a police commander on a teenage Baluch girl on September 30, 2022, police officers in Zahedan opened fire on protesters and passersby, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 people and injuring hundreds more. Since then, weekly protest marches have been held after Friday prayers in Zahedan. So far, the efforts of the security and military forces of the Islamic Republic to prevent the holding of these protest Fridays in Zahedan have been unsuccessful. The government forces blocked the route leading to the Jamia Mosque of Khalil in Khash, and there were calls for the release of detained Baluch citizens in Khash on the anniversary of Bloody Friday. Slogans such as "Death to Basij" and "Death to Khamenei" were raised during protests in Khash, alongside internet disruptions and a heavy presence of security forces in Zahedan, where a "Silent March" was held.