Mowlavi Abdolhamid: The Iranian Nation Was Once Wealthy; The Policies Governing the Country Must Change

In his Friday prayer sermon on December 29, the Sunni Imam of Zahedan, Mowlavi Abdolhamid, strongly criticized the "problems plaguing the people of Iran" and stated that if the domestic and foreign policies governing the country do not change in favor of the people and national interests, the current issues will deepen. Mowlavi Abdolhamid pointed out the "crisis-like" living conditions of the people and urged the rulers of the Islamic Republic to first think of the Iranian nation and then of neighboring countries. He mentioned that the Iranian nation was once wealthy but is now impoverished. According to Mowlavi Abdolhamid, the existing poverty in the country has led to problems such as an increase in divorce rates. He cited the devaluation of the Iranian national currency as one of the reasons for the spread of poverty in the country and stated that the officials of the Islamic Republic "must help the people." The Sunni Imam of Zahedan identified teachers, workers, retirees, and employees as groups whose salaries do not cover their expenses. He also criticized the "astronomical" taxes on businesses in the country, saying that the burden of taxes ultimately falls on the people and consumers. Mowlavi Abdolhamid is one of the most prominent critics of the rulers of the Islamic Republic. According to Halosh, while people left the mosque in silence at the request of Mowlavi Abdolhamid, military forces had a significant presence around the Makki Mosque on Friday, December 29. Since October 1, 2022, when agents fired on worshippers in Zahedan, resulting in the deaths of at least one hundred people and injuring 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 Mowlavi Abdolhamid, these marches are held in silence. The Kayhan newspaper this time called for action against Mowlavi Abdolhamid under the pretext of an attack on a checkpoint in "Rask." The silent protest Friday in Zahedan was held, and Halosh reported that Khamenei's representative in Sistan and Baluchestan had obtained 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 described it as a "violation of sanctity." Mowlavi Abdolhamid severely criticized the widespread corruption and the increase in executions, stating that fundamental changes are needed. He also stated that prisoners should not be "insulted and humiliated," highlighting the severe security atmosphere in Zahedan.