Molavi Abdulhamid: The Solution to Iran's Problems Lies in 'Listening to the Majority's Demands'

On the eve of the anniversary of 'Bloody Friday' and the killing of dozens of citizens in the center of Sistan and Baluchestan by government repression forces, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan identified the solution to existing problems in Iran as 'listening to the voice of the people' and 'yielding to the demands of the majority' of society. Abdulhamid Ismailzahi, known as Molavi Abdulhamid, emphasized in a text published on his account attributed to him on the 'X' messaging platform on Wednesday, October 5, that 'the solution to the country's existing problems is not in attributing protests to foreign governments and confronting protesters, but in listening to the voice of the people and yielding to the demands of the majority.' His statements coincide with reports of efforts by government institutions of the Islamic Republic to 'create embankments' and 'moats' around Zahedan. Ahead of the anniversary of 'Bloody Friday', reports from Zahedan indicate that the military and intelligence forces of the Islamic Republic have increased their presence at 'checkpoint' stations in the center of the province in addition to creating 'moats' around the city. A photographic report from around Makki Mosque, the site of Sunni Friday prayers in Zahedan, which has been a focal point for peaceful protests over the past year, shows the installation of surveillance cameras in the area. Molavi Abdulhamid has repeatedly spoken out against the Islamic Republic and supported nationwide protests following the killing of Mahsa Amini while in custody, emphasizing the unity of Iran, equal rights for citizens, and the necessity of Iranian unity. Journalist Mehdi Nakhl Ahmadi previously told the Persian section of Voice of America that Molavi Abdulhamid's primary emphasis is on 'Iran' and 'the unity of all ethnicities.'