The brave Baluchis in the restive city of Zahedan, the provincial capital of Sistan & Baluchestan in southeast Iran, took to streets again on Friday in new anti-regime protests and rejection of any kind of dictatorship in their country. These protests took place despite the regime’s extensive security measures and internet restrictions. These rallies are continuing the Iranian people’s uprising against the mullahs’ tyranny as people from all walks of life take to streets across the country to voice their opposition to the regime.
Local reports indicated that the regime shut down internet access in Zahedan as the Friday prayers began, which has become the prelude to the weekly protests of the people. The reports were later confirmed by NetBlocks, an organization that tracks internet connectivity across the globe.
https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/1677248360648962049
Nonetheless, the people resumed their anti-regime rallies and reiterated that they want regime change. The protesters commemorated the martyrs of Iran’s revolution, protesters who were killed by the regimes security forces in the past months, and they vowed to avenge them.
July 7—Zahedan, southeast #Iran
Locals vow to avenge protesters murdered by the regime.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/8N7TTj7orw— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 7, 2023
The protesters also called for the release of political prisoners. According to information obtained by the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the regime has arrested more than 30,000 protesters since the uprising began in September. Regime authorities have so far executed four protesters and many others are under the threat of being executed.
July 7—Zahedan, southeast #Iran
More footage of anti-regime protests after Friday prayers. Protesters chanting, "Down with Khamenei!" and "Political prisoners must be freed!" #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/VnKWkYHyIp— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 7, 2023
In their slogans, the protesters targeted regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the oppressive the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and paramilitary Basij units, alongside other security units that are on the ground suppressing the peaceful demonstrators. During the uprising that began in September, security forces murdered over 750 protesters in the streets. The names of 675 killed protesters have been published by the PMOI/MEK.
On Friday, protesters in Zahedan were holding placards that read, “Death to Khamenei!” and chanted “Basij, IRGC, you are our ISIS!”
July 7—Zahedan, southeast #Iran
Anti-regime protests continue in Zahedan after Friday prayers. Protesters are chanting, "Basij, IRGC, you are our ISIS!" and "Iranians, unity unity!"#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/lmtGXhc0qP— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 7, 2023
Protesters also underlined their desire to get rid of the mullahs’ regime by chanting, “Mullahs must get lost!”
Meanwhile, they also made it clear that they will not accept any form of tyranny, including a return to the dictatorship of the shah. On their placards, it was written, “The bloody Friday of Zahedan, the repetition of crimes against the Baluch people by shah and mullahs’ regime.”
On Friday, September 30, 2022, security forces in Zahedan opened fire on peaceful protesters, killing more than 100 civilians, including several children. The event has become known as the bloody Friday of Zahedan.
July 7—Zahedan, southeast #Iran
Locals resume protests after Friday prayers. Placard reads, "Bloody Friday of Zahedan, repetition of crimes by the shah & mullahs' regimes against Baluchestan"#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/YbHzRcVqcU— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 7, 2023
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), commended the people of Zahedan for the bravery. “Your loud cries of seeking justice for your fallen brothers indicate your determination to overthrow the clerical regime. Iran, with its national and religious variety, will be free through solidarity and uprising,” she said.
I commend the heroic people of #Zahedan. Your loud cries of seeking justice for your fallen brothers indicate your determination to overthrow the clerical regime. Iran, with its national and religious variety, will be free through solidarity and uprising.pic.twitter.com/IshM7CAmSc
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) July 7, 2023
These protests are taking place as the regime is increasing its pressure on dissidents and the population. Amnesty International recently warned in a statement about the imminent execution of Mojahed (Abbas) Kourkouri, a man who was arrested in relation to anti-regime protests.
The regime is also preparing to extend the prison sentence of political prisoner Maryam Akbari Monfared, who has been in jail for nearly 14 years without furlough.
Political prisoner Maryam Akbari Monfared faces new charges after nearly 14 years in prison without furlough, including “propaganda against the state,” “disseminating lies,” “insulting (Khamenei),” & “disrupting public order.”
The regime has executed 4 of her siblings. pic.twitter.com/JwyNGIXBMh— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 5, 2023