Nighttime Protests in Zahedan on the Anniversary of 'Bloody Friday' with Calls for Death to Khamenei

Reports sent to Voice of America and published on social media indicate that protesters in the city of Zahedan chanted 'Death to Khamenei' on Saturday night, continuing protests on the anniversary of 'Bloody Friday.' In these visual reports, protesters blocked several streets in Zahedan on Saturday night by burning tires to prevent the presence of military and police forces. Videos from areas such as Shirabad in northern Zahedan, Majidieh, Kowsar, and the common market of Zahedan show protesters chanting 'Death to Khamenei.' Previously, Voice of America reported that shopkeepers in various parts of Zahedan, as well as in the cities of Chabahar, Saravan, and Noubandian, went on strike to commemorate the victims of 'Bloody Friday.' On October 8, 2022, police officers shot at protesters in Zahedan, resulting in dozens of deaths. The provincial security council of Sistan and Baluchestan announced that 35 people were killed, but Baloch activists claim at least one hundred were killed. On the anniversary of 'Bloody Friday' on October 7, 2023, police once again shot at protesters, injuring dozens, including several children. According to the Halosh website, which covers news from Sistan and Baluchestan, military forces were observed throughout the city of Zahedan. Strikes and protests continue despite the security atmosphere in the cities of this province, especially in Zahedan. Human rights sources reported that on Friday, October 7, at least 51 people, including 6 children, were arrested in the cities of Zahedan, Khash, and Mirjaveh, and about 30 protesters were injured during the protests commemorating the anniversary of 'Bloody Friday.'