Molavi Abdolhamid: All Perpetrators of the 'Bloody Friday' Crime in Zahedan Should Be Prosecuted

Molavi Abdolhamid, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, called for the prosecution of all perpetrators of the 'Bloody Friday' crime during his Friday sermon on February 9. He referred to the ongoing trial regarding 'Bloody Friday' and stated that the public expects judges to accept only the truth and not be influenced by any organization or authority. On Friday, October 1, 2022, government agents of the Islamic Republic shot and killed dozens of worshippers in Zahedan, leading to the day being known as 'Bloody Friday.' This prominent Sunni figure added that, according to reports, not all perpetrators will be prosecuted, but the community and the victims' families expect that all those responsible for this 'crime,' regardless of their organization or authority, should be held accountable. The Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan pointed out that most of the victims of 'Bloody Friday' came from impoverished families and addressed the Islamic Republic officials, saying that if the families of the deceased are willing to accept compensation, they should receive 'the specific blood money for 100 camels' or dollars instead of a 'very insignificant' amount. In another part of his sermon, Molavi Abdolhamid stated that the people of Iran are 'very distressed' and that 'rent-seeking and corruption' have spread throughout the country. He mentioned other crises such as poverty, misery, addiction, and the emigration of elites and specialists from the country, asserting that the country's problems can only be resolved by changing policies in favor of the people and the nation of Iran. This prominent Sunni figure emphasized that the most successful nation and system is one that enjoys the satisfaction of its people. Some images shared on social media indicate the presence of military and police forces of the Islamic Republic in the streets of Zahedan, especially around the Makki Mosque. Following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police on September 16, 2022, Baluch citizens, along with other Iranian compatriots, engaged in widespread protests. The protests of Baluch citizens, particularly those in Zahedan, intensified after the massacre of 100 worshippers during 'Bloody Friday' on October 1, 2022, and since then, this city has witnessed anti-government protests every Friday. Molavi Abdolhamid also criticizes the policies of the Islamic Republic and high-ranking officials of the Iranian government, including Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in his Friday sermons. He has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of prosecuting the 'instigators and perpetrators of this crime' and stated that discrimination must be eradicated so that all Iranians, regardless of their religion, beliefs, and ethnicity, are treated equally and can participate in the governance of the country. The ongoing uncertainty about the fate of Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi continues; it has been six months since the arrest of the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Rask. Molavi Abdolhamid called for explanations from government agencies regarding the circumstances of Sepehr Shirani's death. Government agents arrested a 'famous blogger' in Zahedan. The presence of government forces around the Makki Mosque in Zahedan; Abdolhamid stated that the people of Iran are in 'severe distress.' Abdolhamid called for 'dialogue' between Iran and Pakistan; protesters in Zahedan chanted 'Death to Khamenei.' Molavi Abdolhamid criticized Khamenei, stating that the 'highest authority in the country' should have condemned the 'crime' at the Zahedan mosque. Molavi Abdolhamid described the explosions in Kerman as shocking; people are concerned about the increase in executions.