Paris – Iranian security forces made numerous arrests on Saturday as protesters in the country’s southeast commemorated the killing of dozens of demonstrators in the region one year ago, according to human rights groups. The protests, which took place in Zahedan, the main city of Sistan-Baluchistan province, marked the anniversary of what has become known as “Bloody Friday,” when security forces opened fire on a protest on September 30 last year, resulting in the death of at least 104 people, as reported by the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO.
“Bloody Friday” was the deadliest day during months-long protests that occurred throughout Iran last year. The protests in Zahedan were triggered by reports of the rape of a teenage girl in custody by a police commander. They occurred concurrently with nationwide demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, who was allegedly arrested in Tehran for violating the country’s dress code.
Activists have long complained of discrimination against the ethnic Baluch population in Sistan-Baluchistan, who adhere to Sunni Islam rather than the dominant Shiite branch of Islam in Iran.
The Baluch-focused rights group Haalvsh reported that security forces fired tear gas and live rounds for a second consecutive day to disperse the protesters who had gathered in Zahedan to mark the anniversary. The group also stated that businesses in Zahedan and other towns observed a general strike throughout Saturday. It further claimed that “dozens” of people were arrested. Footage shared by the group showed a heavy security presence in the city with audible sounds of gunfire.
On Friday, security forces had used live fire to disperse protesters, resulting in the injury of at least 25 people, including children, as reported by the Baloch Activists Campaign group. There is no immediate information available on casualties from Saturday’s unrest.
Despite the decline of the protest movement in other parts of Iran, residents of Zahedan have continued to hold regular Friday protests over the past 12 months. Molavi Abdolhamid, the city’s Friday prayer leader, who has been vocal in his support of the protests over the past year, issued a fresh call for justice concerning “Bloody Friday,” urging the faithful to be aware of their rights.
Videos shared on social media on Friday depicted chaotic scenes in hospitals where injured individuals, including children, were being treated. Meanwhile, people on the streets attempted to find safety amidst the sound of heavy gunfire.
The Iran Human Rights NGO stated that the protests in Zahedan and other cities were once again “brutally crushed” by authorities using “live ammunition, pellet bullets, and tear gas against unarmed protesters.”
Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran, condemned the “horrifying display of indiscriminate violence” and called for the international community to hold Iranian officials accountable in international courts, emphasizing the importance of invoking the principle of international jurisdiction.
The situation in Zahedan remains tense as security forces continue their efforts to suppress the protests, while human rights organizations continue to monitor developments and call for justice and accountability.
