Imam of Zahedan: The Arrest of the Imam of Rask Will Lead to Increased Discontent

Molavi Abdulhamid, the Imam of Zahedan, reacted to the arrest of the Imam of Rask, stating: "This arrest will lead to increased discontent, and his freedom is in everyone's interest." Molavi Abdulhamid wrote on the social media platform 'X': "The arrest of Molana Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi, the respected Imam of Rask and a prominent public figure and scholar, due to his criticism of officials' performance will lead to increased discontent and will have negative consequences. His immediate release is in everyone's interest." Molavi Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi, the Sunni Imam of Rask, was arrested on Sunday, August 20, on charges of "disturbing public opinion through false speeches, slander and defamation against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and actions against national security and illegal seizure of national lands." 'Halosh' reported that the intelligence and IRGC forces, in collaboration with the officials of the Chabahar Oil Company, had called him to personally go to Chabahar to reopen the fuel quota for his family's vehicles. However, after Mr. Naqshbandi, accompanied by his son, set out for Chabahar, they were pursued by security forces and arrested. Rahim Bandoui stated: 'The Islamic Republic wants to intimidate the people of Iran through the killing and arrest of Baluch citizens.' The blocking of several communication routes in Zahedan by protesters against the arrest of Molavi Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi continues. The protests in Zahedan have been ongoing without interruption; Molavi Abdulhamid criticized the Assembly of Experts, stating that the country's problems cannot be solved by imprisoning and executing journalists and politicians. He also remarked that holding elections using past methods is 'useless.' Protesters in Zahedan demanded the release of political prisoners.