Police in Sistan and Baluchestan: Main Suspect in Iranshahr Case Arrested

The police chief of Sistan and Baluchestan province announced the arrest of the "main suspect" in the case of gang rape in Iranshahr. It was previously reported that the police had arrested two individuals in connection with this case. According to Mohammad Ghanbari, the police chief, the "main suspect," whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested following "extensive investigations" by the police in Iranshahr. Ghanbari did not provide further details on the matter and postponed the release of additional information. He also mentioned efforts to arrest a fourth suspect in this case. Molavi Tayeb Malazahi, the Sunni Imam of Iranshahr, announced during the Eid al-Fitr sermon on June 15 that "41 girls" had been raped in this city and that one of the suspects had been arrested, an action that faced a strong backlash from judicial officials in Iran. In addition to the judicial officials in Sistan and Baluchestan, who only spoke of "rape of three girls," the Attorney General of Iran also labeled Molavi Tayeb Malazahi's statements regarding "rape of 41 girls" as "baseless," "absolute lies," and "fabricated." Mohammad Jafar Montazeri even threatened the Imam of Iranshahr that if he could not "prove his claims," he would be prosecuted for "disturbing public opinion." The publication of this news led a number of citizens in Iranshahr to gather in front of the city governor's office demanding action on this case, with unconfirmed reports of some of them being arrested. Following statements by Mohammad Baluchzahi, the central district governor of Nikshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan, that "most" families of the rape victims are attempting to kill them to eliminate this "stigma," the Sunni Imam of Zahedan declared that no one has the right to "mistreat them." Molavi Abdulhamid encouraged them to file complaints against the suspects, stating that these girls "have committed no sin and no one has the right to treat them badly." After reports of "rape of 41 girls" in Iranshahr were published, the Iranian Minister of Interior also ordered the governor of Sistan and Baluchestan to pursue this matter "diligently" and prepare a "detailed" report on it. Molavi Tayeb Malazahi had introduced the first arrested suspect in connection with this case as a "wealthy and rich" individual and one of the "thugs." He explicitly stated: "These thugs are from our own children, and if I name them, some heads will drop." The two previously arrested suspects were detained on charges such as providing weapons to those involved in this case and "inciting youth." Sources: Mehr News Agency, IRNA, and Radio Farda.