Mawlawi Abdulhamid: The Arrest of Families of Victims of the Recent Uprising is Disturbing

Mawlawi Abdulhamid, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, stated in his Friday sermon on September 22 that the arrest of family members of those who were martyred in the "recent uprising" is a "disturbing" action. He emphasized the need for the government to refrain from such actions, noting that Iranians have always been a "civilized nation" that empathizes with those in mourning. This prominent Sunni figure briefly referred to the "Chastity and Hijab" bill, stating that the Islamic Republic officials aim to act in a "police-like" manner with its approval. Mawlawi Abdulhamid further remarked that if the Islamic Republic respected the dignity of women and youth and treated them "properly," they would not take to the streets to protest. He suggested that creating jobs would help alleviate the despair among the youth. Reports and images indicate that a number of people in Zahedan marched in the streets after Friday prayers, chanting slogans such as "Death to the Dictator" and "Basiji Sepahi - You are Daesh." In another instance, protesters shouted, "We will kill, we will kill whoever killed my brother." According to reports, the protest on Friday occurred despite the presence of government forces throughout Zahedan. Reports from Halosh indicated that internet access in Zahedan and some other cities in Sistan and Baluchestan faced severe disruptions on Friday, making communication difficult for citizens. The "Protest Fridays" in Zahedan began after security forces killed dozens of worshippers on October 8, 2022, a day that became known as "Bloody Friday of Zahedan." Since then, Mawlawi Abdulhamid has criticized officials, institutions, and the policies of the Islamic Republic in his weekly Friday sermons. Mawlawi Abdulhamid: The awakening of the Iranian nation is the beginning of victory; the killing of Mahsa was painful for all people. Protesters in another "Protest Friday" in Zahedan called for the release of political prisoners. Mawlawi Abdulhamid: The Islamic Republic has not treated Sunnis fairly and equally. Protesters in Sistan and Baluchestan chanted "Death to Khomeini and Khamenei" demanding the release of political prisoners. Mawlawi Abdulhamid criticized the "spending on religion": the government should address the people's problems. The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan stated that the arrest of the Friday prayer leader of Rask would lead to increased dissatisfaction. Mawlawi Abdulhamid: Holding elections in the old ways is "useless." Protesters in Zahedan demanded the release of political prisoners.