Iran’s top Sunni cleric has called for an internationally-monitored referendum, saying the government cannot hold back the country through killing and repression.
In his Friday sermon Moravi Abdulhamid’s Friday Prayer, the Imam of the Friday Prayer of Zahedan told the regime leaders:
Addressing the government, he said: If not, hold a referendum in the presence of international observers and accept the results. ”
Abdul Hamid echoed long-standing demands by critics and opponents of the Islamic Republic by calling for a free referendum to determine the future of the government. For Sunni leaders who have long tried to survive, this is a turning point.
Abdul Hamid has backed reformist president Mohammad Khatami and moderate Hassan Rouhani in the past.
In 2021, he complained that neither promised to improve the situation of the Sunni minority and give them a piece of government, and said he would vote for hardline Ebrahim Raisi. was again disappointed.
In October 2021, Abdul Hamid, a former rights advocate, said he hoped the Taliban could “become a muscle of the Islamic Republic” and warned other countries to “pre-judge the Taliban.” He called for the group to stop “doing” and claimed the group had changed. Abdul Hamid’s pro-Taliban statements led to criticism among Iranians and even among the Baluchi people.
However, when security forces killed a number of Sunnis during the September 30 protests, Abdul Hamid held Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responsible.
Iranian and international human rights monitors reported that more than 90 unarmed Baluch civilians were killed in attacks by the IRGC.
Security forces again opened fire on protesters with live ammunition, and crowds chanted “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the dictator” during protests in southeastern Sistan and Balchestan following Friday’s prayers.
The incident followed weeks of brutal crackdowns by the IRGC and other Iranian security forces on protesters in the provincial capital Zahedan, who took part in nationwide anti-government protests sparked by the custodial death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini. followed.
On Friday, the government unleashed violence against demonstrators in Zahedan, Salavan, Kas, Rask and Salvaz in the province after prayers.
Baluch activists said several people had been shot dead in Khash. Zahedan by a security agent. More people were reportedly injured.
Iranian state media say some protesters have attacked government offices. Kash governor Security forces fired tear gas and set police cars on fire while firing at angry demonstrators.
Gunmen on top of Governor Kas’ building open fire on protesters
Friday coincides with a memorial service for other youths killed in previous protests.
After calling on people to follow Friday’s demonstrations, Prince Reza Pahlavi in exile in Iran I once again urged them to mark the memory of those killed by authoritarian regimes.
He also called on major democracies“Increase efforts to provide assistance to the population while further isolating and increasing pressure on the regime.”
The video received by Iran International Isfahan, shahinshahrWhen KarajiWe held a rally to pay our respects to those who were murdered 40 days ago.
Iran has been plagued by nationwide protests against the rule of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for nearly seven weeks, but officials say “a limited number of young people are being duped by the enemy.” He continues to blame foreign countries for the protests.
In its latest edition, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Commander General Hossein Salami again threatened “enemies of the Islamic Republic” with retaliation for Thursday’s “interventionist and mischievous actions.”
Salami threatened Iranians to stay out of the streets on October 30, but this week more people took to the streets.
