Molavi Abdolhamid: Embezzlers are the same individuals who claim to be committed to Islam

The Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, Molavi Abdolhamid, criticized the selection process of managers and officials in the Islamic Republic during his Friday sermon on February 16. He stated that embezzlers are the same individuals whose qualifications have been previously approved in the selection processes and who claim to be committed to Islam. Molavi Abdolhamid criticized the elimination of 'worthy and capable individuals' in various elections of the Islamic Republic and stated that military personnel cannot govern the country. He mentioned that the policies being implemented in the country have reached a 'dead end,' and despite public protests, these policies have not changed, leading to a loss of morale among the people. He pointed out the nationwide protests and the unaddressed demands of the protesters, saying that it was expected that the legitimate demands of the people would be considered, but that has not happened. Emphasizing the necessity of 'preserving the dignity' of women in Iran, he stated that no officer has the right to insult women during their arrest. According to him, when women are arrested, even if they have not adhered to hijab regulations, their dignity must be respected. The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan referred to the 'inappropriate treatment' of women in prisons and detention centers, stating: 'Their human dignity must be preserved, and they should have the right to defend themselves and choose a lawyer freely.' Molavi Abdolhamid is one of the most prominent critics who weekly criticizes the leaders of the Islamic Republic and the prevailing policies in the country during Friday prayers at Makki Mosque in Zahedan. Since October 1, 2022, when security forces shot at worshippers in Zahedan, resulting in the deaths of at least one hundred people and injuries to hundreds more, weekly protest marches have been held after Friday prayers in Zahedan. So far, the efforts of the Islamic Republic forces to prevent the holding of protest Fridays in Zahedan have been unsuccessful, and sometimes, to protect the lives of attendees and at the request of Molavi Abdolhamid, these marches are held in silence. The Kayhan newspaper has recently called for action against Molavi Abdolhamid under the pretext of an attack on a checkpoint in 'Rasak.' The silent protest Friday in Zahedan was held, and the representative of Khamenei in Sistan and Baluchestan has demanded a 'commitment' from Friday prayer leaders to 'praise' the Islamic Republic. Government forces attacked two religious schools in Zahedan; the teachers of Dar al-Uloom stated it was a 'violation of dignity.' Molavi Abdolhamid severely criticized widespread corruption and the increase in executions, stating that fundamental changes are needed. He also mentioned that prisoners should not be 'insulted and humiliated,' highlighting the severe security atmosphere in Zahedan.