Mowlavi Abdolhamid: We Embrace Any Threat for the Interests of the People

The Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, Mowlavi Abdolhamid, stated during his sermon on June 23 that he always pursues the interests of the people and that "in this regard, we embrace any threat." In an implicit reaction to a recent assassination attempt against him, he told the worshippers in Zahedan: "Do not worry about anything; everything is in the hands of the Lord... Keep your calm." He further advised the officials of the Islamic Republic not to pursue "failed policies," as such actions "bring nothing but regret and remorse." Mowlavi Abdolhamid urged the authorities to engage in dialogue with the people and consider their interests. He identified "brain drain" and "the flight of elites" as major issues facing the country, attributing one of the reasons for this phenomenon to economic problems, including the severe devaluation of the national currency. According to the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, without the adoption of correct policies and the placement of capable individuals in leadership positions, there is no hope for resolving the country's problems. Mowlavi Abdolhamid emphasized that the implementation of justice and the elimination of discrimination are "fundamental and central demands of the Iranian nation," and that "the Iranian people will never back down from these demands" and will "struggle for their realization." He also asserted that freedom in various areas, including "freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and freedom of the pen," must be achieved. The Telegram channel "Hal-Vash," which covers human rights news related to Sistan and Baluchestan, reported on June 18 that security personnel at Makki Mosque in Zahedan arrested an individual disguised as a religious seminary student who was allegedly tasked by the IRGC intelligence to assassinate Mowlavi Abdolhamid using "poison." The report added that the arrested individual "intended to carry out a biological assassination of Mowlavi Abdolhamid" and "in his confessions, stated that he had been assigned to assassinate the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan with poison provided by the intelligence (of the IRGC)." Abdolhamid Ismailzahi, known as Mowlavi Abdolhamid, has openly opposed the policies of the Islamic Republic multiple times in recent months. He has repeatedly defended the rights of all Iranians, especially women, ethnic groups, and religious and sectarian minorities, holding the Islamic Republic responsible for the plight of Iranians. According to images shared on social media, after the Friday prayer led by Mowlavi Abdolhamid, Zahedan witnessed the 38th "Protest Friday." On the other hand, the Hal-Vash Telegram channel reported that security and law enforcement sources of the Islamic Republic have carried out widespread arrests of protesters in Zahedan. Images of protests in other cities of Sistan and Baluchestan, including Chabahar, Rask, Iranshahr, Pishin, and Suran, have also been published. The judiciary of Sistan and Baluchestan threatened Mowlavi Abdolhamid, stating, "If you do not prove the claim of an assassination attempt, we will take action against you." The statement from the office of the Friday prayer leader of Zahedan regarding the pilgrimage trip of Mowlavi Abdolhamid called it a "lie" and part of a "destruction project." Mowlavi Abdolhamid stated: "You cannot silence the voices of women; the rights of Baha'is should not be violated." The Ministry of Intelligence has prevented Mowlavi Abdolhamid from traveling for pilgrimage. Mowlavi Abdolhamid remarked: "First, the people's stomachs must be filled, then reveal advanced weapons." He added that the government budget has caused the silence of scholars and the neglect of the people's demands. Mowlavi Abdolhamid described the executions as "painful" and stated that the root of the country's problems is the incorrect conduct of elections by the government. He stated that imprisoning and killing is not a solution, and if our arrest solves the people's problems, then imprison us. Mowlavi Abdolhamid criticized Khamenei, saying that a referendum is not needed; listen to the people's voices.