Judiciary of Sistan and Baluchestan Threatens Molavi Abdulhamid; 'Prove the Assassination Attempt or Face Consequences'

The Chief Justice of Sistan and Baluchestan reacted on Wednesday, June 21, to reports of an alleged assassination attempt on the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan, stating: 'Makki Mosque must prove that this person intended such an act; otherwise, they will be held accountable under the law.' According to the Tasnim news agency affiliated with the IRGC, Ali Mostafavi-Nia dismissed reports of a daily deposit of 15 million tomans into the account of the individual allegedly involved in the assassination attempt on Molavi Abdulhamid, adding: 'The forces of Makki Mosque unlawfully detained this individual, who is now a complainant for this reason.' The Chief Justice emphasized that 'this individual was handed over to the judiciary by security agencies to address any complaints he may have.' He reiterated that 'Makki Mosque must prove that this person intended to poison students and Molavi Abdulhamid, and if not proven, they must be held accountable under the law.' The office of the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan issued a statement on June 21, confirming the detention of a suspicious individual at Makki Mosque, stating: 'This man is likely connected to certain organizations.' The statement urged the public to remain calm and not to worry, emphasizing that the suspect had made contradictory statements and confessions, which are under investigation. Unofficial news sources reported on June 19 that the IRGC Intelligence Organization attempted a 'biological assassination' of the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan, but this attempt failed with the identification and detention of the individual assigned to assassinate Molavi Abdulhamid. However, the Fars news agency, also affiliated with the IRGC, reacted to this news, stating: 'According to an informed source, individuals connected to Molavi Abdulhamid suspected a Sunni student of theft on June 17 and unlawfully imprisoned him.' Government-affiliated media had also accused Molavi Abdulhamid of 'forging a receipt' for a pilgrimage to Hajj a few days prior, a claim that was denied by the office of the Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan. The protest Fridays in Zahedan have been ongoing since October 2022. In recent months, Molavi Abdulhamid has consistently called for 'decisive and legal' action against those responsible for the 'Black Friday of Zahedan' that occurred last October. According to documents released in Fall 2022, while security officials requested the arrest of Molavi Abdulhamid, Ali Khamenei opposed this request and demanded his 'disgrace.' Abdul Sattar Dooshoki stated: 'Molavi Abdulhamid has become a national leader by defending women and Bahá'ís.' The continuation of protest Fridays in Zahedan: 'The share of Baluch from Iran is denial, bullets, executions.' Mahdi Nakhl Ahmadi emphasized that Molavi Abdulhamid's first priority is Iran and the unity of all ethnicities. The protest Fridays in Zahedan show no signs of stopping; Molavi Abdulhamid stated: 'First, the people's hunger must be satisfied, then unveil advanced weapons.' Molavi Abdulhamid once again called for a referendum and criticized the clerical government. The statement from the office of the Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan regarding the Hajj trip incident described it as a 'lie' and part of a 'destructive project.' The failed assassination plot against Molavi Abdulhamid involved an IRGC agent 'disguised as a student.' Molavi Abdulhamid stated: 'You cannot silence women's voices; the rights of Bahá'ís must not be violated.' The Ministry of Intelligence prevented Molavi Abdulhamid's Hajj trip. Molavi Abdulhamid reiterated: 'First, the people's hunger must be satisfied, then unveil advanced weapons.' He also stated: 'The government budget has caused the silence of scholars and the neglect of the people's demands.'