Silent March of Zahedan Worshippers; Molavi Abdolhamid: Justice and Fairness Ensure Security

Images shared on social media show that security and military forces had a significant presence on Friday, December 22, in the streets leading to the mosque and the Makki Mosque in Zahedan. Meanwhile, Zahedan worshippers exited the mosque in silence at the request of Molavi Abdolhamid, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of the city, under a heavy security atmosphere. The Halvash Human Rights Organization, which covers news related to human rights violations in the Baloch regions of the country, reported on Friday: 'A heavy security atmosphere prevails in the cities of Sistan and Baluchestan as before.' Molavi Abdolhamid emphasized the need to avoid violence and to solve problems through dialogue during his Friday sermon on December 22. He stated: 'Violence creates problems for society. We condemn violence from any side and emphasize civil methods and dialogue.' Referring to the importance of 'security,' he said: 'Justice and fairness guarantee security. If justice and fairness are observed for everyone, all will be in security and comfort.' In an indirect reference to a recent deadly attack on a police station in Rask County, Molavi Abdolhamid invited 'all parties' to 'dialogue.' This prominent Iranian Sunni and Baloch figure also urged the Pakistani government to listen to the grievances of the people of Balochistan, especially the voices of women who recently held a protest march. According to Molavi Abdolhamid, 'If these protesters have complaints that family members have been killed or many are missing, Pakistani officials should sit with the protesters and listen to their words.' Recently, the police in Pakistan have arrested dozens of protesters against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. Reports indicate that Pakistani Baloch women have played a major role in leading these protests. Since October 1, 2022, when security forces shot at worshippers in Zahedan, resulting in at least 100 deaths and hundreds of injuries, weekly protest marches have been held after Friday prayers in Zahedan. So far, the efforts of the Islamic Republic forces to prevent the holding of protest Fridays in Zahedan have been unsuccessful, although sometimes these marches are held in silence for the safety of attendees at the request of Molavi Abdolhamid. The Kayhan newspaper has called for action against Molavi Abdolhamid this time under the pretext of the attack on a police station in Rask. The silent protest Friday in Zahedan was held. Halvash: Khamenei's representative in Sistan and Baluchestan has obtained a 'commitment' from Friday prayer leaders to 'praise' the Islamic Republic. Government forces attacked two religious schools in Zahedan; the Dar al-Uloom teachers stated: 'It was a violation of sanctity.' Molavi Abdolhamid strongly criticized widespread corruption and the increase in executions: 'Fundamental changes are needed.' Molavi Abdolhamid: Prisoners should not be 'insulted and humiliated'; a heavy security atmosphere in Zahedan.