Protesters in Zahedan Demand Release of Political Prisoners

Continuing the protest marches in Zahedan, protesters took to the streets of the city once again after Friday prayers on August 18, calling for the release of political prisoners. The Halosh website, which covers human rights news in Sistan and Baluchestan province, reported that this march took place after several weeks of silence. Following the killing of dozens of worshippers in the 'Bloody Friday' of Zahedan on September 30 last year, this city has witnessed anti-government protests every Friday after the often-critical sermons of Molavi Abdolhamid. During these marches, people have emphasized the necessity of identifying, introducing, and dealing with the perpetrators of the Bloody Friday incident in Zahedan. The continued security atmosphere in Zahedan coincides with internet disruptions; on August 11, a silent march was held in Zahedan, and on August 20, there was a significant presence of military and security forces throughout the city. Molavi Abdolhamid stated: 'The country's problems cannot be solved by issuing death sentences' and 'The government has not fulfilled any of the promises it made to the Sunni community.'