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Protesters' Slogan Ahead of 'Bloody Friday' in Zahedan: Death to the Dictator

May 7, 2026 May 7, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Protests erupted in Zahedan, Iran, as citizens marched chanting 'Death to the Dictator' and called for the release of political prisoners, one week before the anniversary of the deadly crackdown on worshippers in 2022. The protests highlight ongoing dissatisfaction with the Iranian government's policies and the demand for justice and freedom among the people, particularly from the Baluch minority. This is significant as it reflects the persistent unrest and calls for reform within Iran.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The protests in Zahedan signify a critical moment of dissent against the Iranian regime.

👥 Key Players

Molavi Abdolhamid (مولوی عبدالحمید) QUOTED
Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan
"'The Iranian nation seeks justice and is thirsty for justice.'"

⚡ Actions

Protesters PROTEST Iranian government
"'Death to the Dictator' and 'Basij and Sepah - You are our ISIS.'"
Confidence: 90%
Molavi Abdolhamid CRITICIZE Islamic Republic
"'People are dissatisfied with the domestic and foreign policies of the Islamic Republic, as these policies have failed.'"
Confidence: 90%
Protesters CALL FOR RELEASE political prisoners
"'They also called for the release of political prisoners.'"
Confidence: 90%

📰 What Happened

Protesters in Zahedan chant against the regime, demanding justice and freedom ahead of 'Bloody Friday' anniversary.

  • Protesters protest Iranian government
  • Molavi Abdolhamid criticize Islamic Republic
  • Protesters call for release political prisoners

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Because the protests indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the regime's policies.
🌍 Regional: Because it highlights ethnic tensions and calls for justice among minority groups in Iran.
🌐 International: Because it reflects ongoing human rights issues and potential instability in Iran.

📚 Background

The protests in Zahedan signify a critical moment of dissent against the Iranian regime.

📝 Key Evidence

"'People want freedom and are tired of discrimination and inequality.'"
→ This proves the widespread demand for justice and reform in Iran.
📡 Source: OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence: 80%
VOA Persian is known for its critical stance towards the Iranian government.

A number of people in the city of Zahedan marched in the streets on Friday, September 22, following Friday prayers, chanting slogans such as 'Death to the Dictator' and 'Basij and Sepah - You are our ISIS.' They also called for the release of political prisoners. The protests took place one week before the anniversary of the 'Bloody Friday in Zahedan,' according to the 'Halosh' website. Reports indicate that the protest movement among the Baluch citizens occurred despite a heavy security atmosphere and the presence of government forces throughout the city of Zahedan. The 'Protest Fridays' in Zahedan began after security forces killed dozens of worshippers on Friday, October 1, 2022. Since then, this day has become known as 'Bloody Friday in Zahedan.' Since then, Molavi Abdolhamid, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, has criticized the policies of the Islamic Republic in his weekly Friday sermons. He has stated that the 'awakening of the Iranian nation' is the 'beginning of victory' and referred to the killing of Mahsa Amini in custody, saying: 'When Mahsa was arrested for her dress code and her corpse was returned to her family, it was painful for all people.' He added: 'Why should someone who may have had a little less hijab be killed?' The Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan stated that the people of Iran are demanding freedom and justice, adding: 'People are dissatisfied with the domestic and foreign policies of the Islamic Republic, as these policies have failed.' He also said: 'The Iranian nation seeks justice and is thirsty for justice. The voice that is rising today among Iranians inside and outside the country is a call for justice. People want freedom and are tired of discrimination and inequality.' The widespread presence of repressive forces in the city of Zahedan coincided with the protest Friday on September 24, with slogans such as 'Khamenei is a murderer' and 'Basij and Sepah, you are our ISIS' being chanted. The slogan 'Death to the Dictator' was heard in Zahedan protests following Khamenei's propaganda visit. Slogans like 'Kurd, Baluch, and Azeri, freedom and equality' were also heard during the protest Friday in Zahedan. 'Khamenei, have some shame, leave the country' was another slogan from the protesters in Zahedan. Molavi Abdolhamid stated that those responsible for suppressing protesters should be punished.

🏷️ Entities Mentioned

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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