In southeast Iran, PMOI/MEK Resistance Units in Zahedan continued their weekly activities on May 22, fiercely defying the regime’s relentless wave of executions. As the regime desperately attempts to maintain its grip on power through the gallows, these activists reiterated their rejection of all forms of dictatorship and their steadfast commitment to establishing a democratic republic.
Taking to the streets in public places, they held placards with messages of defiance, such as, “Salutation to death-row prisoners, who with their steadfastness and strength inspire the youth of Iran to fight against the regime.” In a direct warning to the ruling clerics, another placard read, “The regime’s executioners must know that this ruthless bloodshed will not go unpunished.”
May 22—Zahedan, southeast Iran
In their weekly activities, PMOI/MEK Resistance Units continued to defy the regime's executions while reiterating their rejection of all forms of dictatorship and their commitment to the establishment of a democratic republic.They also honored the… pic.twitter.com/2OQs3P2eUR
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 23, 2026
“Neither Shah nor mullah”: The rejection of all dictatorships
The Resistance Units made it clear that their struggle is a fight against any form of tyranny, blocking any attempt to hijack the Iranian revolution. In public spaces across Zahedan, activists displayed signs reading, “A dictator is a dictator, whether with a turban or a crown,” and “No to shah no to mullahs. The people of Iran desire a democratic republic.”
Emphasizing their historical boundaries, the protesters declared that “No freedom-loving Iranian will ever tolerate the shame and dark stain of defending the Shah’s notorious secret police, SAVAK.” The activists underscored that the core principle of “Neither Shah nor Mullah” signifies an absolute rejection of both dictatorship and dependency.
A legacy of sacrifice: Drawing strength from the PMOI founders
The fearlessness witnessed today in Zahedan is deeply rooted in the historical sacrifices of the PMOI’s leadership. The recent activities were held to honor the memory of PMOI founders Mohammad Hanifnejad, Saeed Mohsen, and Ali Asghar Badizadegan, marking the 54th anniversary of their execution by the Shah’s regime on May 25, 1972.
"The martyrs of the people have paid the ultimate price for Iran’s freedom and independence." pic.twitter.com/KSs6wRwrSc
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 23, 2026
Hanifnejad revolutionized the struggle for freedom by establishing that the primary line of demarcation lies between the oppressor and the oppressed, uniting freedom-loving people. Despite brutal torture by SAVAK and offers to spare their lives if they repented, the founders refused to back down. As one placard in Zahedan read, citing Badizadegan: “A person’s worth in the struggle is measured by the depth of their sacrifice for the cause.”
The regime’s escalating executions: A sign of fatal weakness
The current surge in executions is a desperate response to the regime’s own fragility and the looming threat of popular uprisings. Following the massive nationwide uprising this past January, the ruling establishment—now operating under Khamenei’s son—stands at the brink of overthrow.
"Religious tyranny, like the monarchy before it, will be buried by the people's uprising." pic.twitter.com/V5Ux42k6cj
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 23, 2026
In a panic to survive, the religious dictatorship escalated its killings. Since late March, the regime has executed eight PMOI members alongside at least a dozen young protesters. Yet, as the Zahedan activists accurately highlighted, “The regime’s wave of daily executions betrays its utter terror of the public’s mounting rage.”
The regime’s reliance on executions and repression has completely failed to break the spirit of resistance. Instead, the organized resistance has witnessed a steady and growing rise. During the January uprising, Resistance Units carried out 630 operations against centers of the Revolutionary Guard, the Basij, and other regime institutions.
On February 23, 2026, 250 PMOI fighters launched an attack on Khamenei’s headquarters, resulting in around 100 fighters being killed or arrested. The historical steadfastness of the PMOI founders continues to echo today, proving that brutal crackdowns only breed stronger generations of resistance. As the brave youth in Zahedan proclaimed, “No regime built on a foundation of fear, repression, torture, and executions can ever endure,” warning that a tempest of protest is on the horizon and the ruling religious fascism has no escape from its inevitable collapse.