Internet Disruption in Zahedan; Abdulhamid: Women Show Civil Disobedience by Removing Hijab

Molavi Abdulhamid, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, in his sermon on July 21, referred to the issue of women's hijab, stating that those who oppose mandatory hijab are essentially dissatisfied and "want to show their civil disobedience by removing the hijab." Abdulhamid further stated that hijab cannot be imposed on Iranian women through imprisonment, detention, and torture. He pointed out that the country's problems have political roots, adding that the 44-year policies of the Islamic Republic have not been effective, and until political issues are resolved, the economy will not improve. According to this prominent Sunni cleric in Iran, the economy is "sick" and all classes and professions are suffering from it. He also condemned the recent burning of the Quran in Sweden as an "insult to the sanctities of all religions and sects" and stated that sacred texts of Muslims, Christians, and Jews should not be burned. The 42nd "Protest Friday" was held by Zahedan protesters at the request of Molavi Abdulhamid and in respect for the days of Ashura, with a silent march. According to the Baloch Activists Campaign, security forces had a significant presence in the streets of Zahedan, similar to previous weeks. NetBlocks, which monitors internet access restrictions worldwide, reported that this Friday, as in previous Fridays, internet access in Zahedan faced widespread disruption coinciding with Friday prayers and protests by the people of Zahedan. The "Protest Fridays" began after security forces killed nearly a hundred protesters in Zahedan on October 1, 2022; this day became known as "Bloody Friday of Zahedan." Pressure on Sunni clerics and associates of Molavi Abdulhamid has increased following the continuation of the protest Fridays in Zahedan. Molavi Abdulhamid called for "respect for women and their demands" and the freedom of political prisoners. He reacted to the "violent crackdown" in Bandar Kolahi, stating that people are struggling for a piece of bread. The silent march in Zahedan was described by Abdulhamid as a path of moderation and centrism. Security pressures on Abdulhamid have increased, with the detention and expulsion of 132 preachers from Makki Mosque. The increase in executions and detentions of Baloch people has also led to heightened security pressures on Molavi Abdulhamid. Ahead of the "Protest Friday," internet access in Zahedan was cut off. Despite condemning armed actions, coordinated attacks by the Islamic Republic's media against Molavi Abdulhamid have occurred. In a statement, Molavi Abdulhamid condemned the "armed attack" on Police Station 16 in Zahedan. He advised Sunni scholars to pay attention to the interests of the nation. Molavi Abdulhamid stated that the French police did not blind any protester or kill anyone.