Molavi Abdolhamid: The Explosions in Kerman Were Shocking; People Are Concerned About the Increase in Executions

Molavi Abdolhamid, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, described the deadly explosions in Kerman as 'terroristic and very shocking' during his Friday sermon on January 5. He condemned the attacks, stating that the spilling of innocent blood by anyone is 'wrong.' This prominent Sunni figure emphasized that no innocent person, regardless of their beliefs or views, should be killed. In another part of his speech, Molavi Abdolhamid expressed concern over the increasing problems and 'oppression and corruption' in the country. He stressed the importance of justice and respect for human rights, advising all officials of the Islamic Republic to uphold the rights of all Iranian citizens, both Muslim and non-Muslim. He further expressed worry about the rise in executions in recent days and weeks, stating that people are concerned about this increase. In another section of his speech, Molavi Abdolhamid highlighted the importance of utilizing qualified individuals regardless of their religion, sect, ethnicity, or gender, asserting that meritocracy is key to solving the current crises in the country. He referenced the achievements of Singapore's President Halimah Yacob, noting that women possess talents and qualifications that should not be overlooked. According to him, Iran is a much wealthier country than Singapore, and the wish and demand of the Iranian people is for the country's resources to be spent on them to satisfy their needs. This prominent Sunni figure added that the Iranian people's desire is for justice, fairness, and equality to be upheld in their vast country. Reports circulating on social media indicate that Zahedan worshippers held a silent march after the Friday prayer and upon exiting the mosque. According to the human rights organization Halosh, this action by the Zahedan worshippers was at the request of Molavi Abdolhamid and coincided with a heavy presence of government forces in the streets and public places of Zahedan. Since October 1, 2022, when Islamic Republic forces shot at worshippers in Zahedan, resulting in the deaths of at least one hundred people and injuring hundreds more, protest marches have been held weekly after Friday prayers in Zahedan. So far, the Islamic Republic's efforts to prevent the holding of protest Fridays in Zahedan have been unsuccessful, although sometimes for the safety of attendees and at the request of Molavi Abdolhamid, these marches are held in silence. Molavi Abdolhamid stated that the Iranian people were once wealthy; the prevailing policies in the country need to change. The Kayhan newspaper has called for action against Molavi Abdolhamid this time under the pretext of an attack on a checkpoint in 'Rasak.' The protest Friday in Zahedan was held with a silent march. Halosh reported that Khamenei's representative in Sistan and Baluchestan has demanded 'commitments' from Friday prayer leaders to 'praise' the Islamic Republic. Molavi Abdolhamid has strongly criticized widespread corruption and the increase in executions, stating that fundamental changes are needed. He asserted that prisoners should not be 'insulted and humiliated' and noted the severe security atmosphere in Zahedan. He also mentioned that worship does not require permission, as officials have closed the Sunni prayer hall. Furthermore, he stated that the families of victims from the 'Bloody Friday' are under pressure to accept blood money.