Protesters in Zahedan Once Again Take to the Streets 'Despite Continued Heavy Security Atmosphere'

Continuing the Friday protests in Zahedan, the people of this city took to the streets again on Friday, October 13, in support of Molavi Abdolhamid and also in protest against the Islamic Republic. According to reports published by the Halosh website, which covers news from Sistan and Baluchestan, the people of Zahedan have continued street protests despite the ongoing heavy security atmosphere. Military forces set up tents to conduct body searches on citizens and blocked the streets leading to Makki Mosque and the Zahedan prayer hall. Protesters chanted in support of Molavi Abdolhamid, an influential Sunni cleric, "As long as there is blood in our veins, Molana is our leader." Based on one of the posts published on Halosh's X (formerly Twitter) page, protesters in Zahedan shouted "dishonorable" at government agents. On Friday, October 13, Molavi Abdolhamid, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, called for calm from both sides regarding the Israel-Hamas war, stating that neither Muslims nor Jews can eliminate the other. He remarked on the heartbreaking events occurring in Palestinian and Israeli territories, noting that the conflict has persisted for seventy years, with neither side achieving peace. Following protests against the assault of a police commander on a teenage Baluch girl on October 1, 2022, police opened fire on protesters and passersby, resulting in the deaths of at least one hundred people and injuring hundreds more. This day has been dubbed "Bloody Friday of Zahedan," and the Friday protests have continued since then. Halosh reported that dozens of Baluch citizens, including children detained on the anniversary of Bloody Friday, have been released. There were also protests against state media and calls for coverage of gatherings during the retirees' protest in Zahedan. Molavi Abdolhamid stated that calls for the destruction of Israel are ineffective and that both nations must live together. He also called for a "thorough and impartial" investigation into the situation of Armita Garavand and the punishment of those responsible for it.