On the first anniversary of Zahedan’s Bloody Friday massacre, Baluch people in several cities across Sistan and Baluchestan province held anti-regime protest rallies. These rallies took place despite extensive security measures by the regime and heavy security presence in cities, especially on Zahedan. The regime had dispatched anti-riot forces and heavy weapons to prevent any kind of protest.
In Zahedan, a large group of people gathered around the Makki Mosque to commemorate the victims of the grim massacre, chanting anti-regime slogans.
Protesters were chanting:
“I will avenge my murdered brother!”
“Death to the tyrant, be it the shah or the mullahs!”
“Death to Khamenei!”
“Death to the Basij!”
September 29—Zahedan, southeast #Iran
Anti-regime protests on the anniversary of Zahedan's Bloody Friday.
Protesters chanting, "Death to the tyrant, be it the shah or the mullahs!"#IranProtests#جمعه_خونین_زاهدان pic.twitter.com/XM5HJkiosR— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 29, 2023
At the same time, protests took place in other cities, including Khash, Suran, and Taftan. In Kahsh, a large group of people gathered and chanted, “Death to Khamenei!” and “IRGC and Basij are our murderers!”
In Suran, protesters were chanting, “Basij and IRGC are like ISIS!”
In the Nukabad district of Taftan, protesters were chanting, “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to Basij!”
September 29—Khash, southeast #Iran
Anti-regime protests on the anniversary of Zahedan's Bloody Friday.
Protesters chanting, "IRGC and Basij are our murderers!"#IranProtests#جمعه_خونین_زاهدان pic.twitter.com/str95nIEiy— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 29, 2023
The regime responded with repression. According to NetBlocks, an organization that tracks internet connectivity across the world, the regime restricted access to internet in Zahedan and other parts of Sistan and Baluchestan.
https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/1707704242625019929
In Zahedan, security forces attacked protesters, opening fire and shooting tear gas in their midst. Several videos from Zahedan show security forces firing and protesters.
But the brave people of Zahedan resisted with bare hands and forced the security forces to retreat. According to initial reports, dozens of people were injured by security forces, including several children.
September 29—Zahedan, southeast #Iran
Footage of protesters injured by security forces during anti-regime rallies on the anniversary of the Bloody Friday.#IranProtests#جمعه_خونین_زاهدان pic.twitter.com/tnJR6nz5Wk— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 29, 2023
On September 30, 2022, during the protests that happened after the killing of Mahsa Amini by the regime’s morality police, security forces in Zahedan opened fire on peaceful protesters, killing more than 100 people, including at least a dozen children. The event became known as the Bloody Friday of Zahedan and was commemorated across Iran as one of the regime’s crimes against humanity.
Since the Bloody Friday, the Baluch people have been regularly holding protest rallies on Fridays. The regime’s measures to intimidate the people and suppress their desire for freedom is proving increasingly futile.
Long live the courageous Baloch compatriots in #Zahedan, Rask, Khash, and other cities who rose up on the anniversary of Bloody Friday in Zahedan! With resounding chants of "death to Khamenei," "my slain brother, I will avenge your blood," and "death to the oppressor, be it the… pic.twitter.com/eP6qD6Xc0V
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) September 29, 2023
