On the anniversary of the “Bloody Friday of Zahedan” last Friday, September 29, protests unfolded across several cities in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. In the aftermath, security forces detained numerous individuals within the province. Currently, the identities of 68 detainees, including 18 minors, have been established.

These protests escalated into violence as security and military forces employed gas, leading to injuries and hospitalizations among several protestors. According to Haal Vsh, a news outlet dedicated to reporting human rights violations in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, at least 29 individuals, including eight minors, have been injured. Among them, Haal Vsh has identified a 13-year-old named Hasib Rigi.

Furthermore, on the same day, Netblocks, a watchdog organization monitoring cybersecurity and internet governance, confirmed significant disruptions in internet connectivity within Zahedan.

Additionally, visual evidence has emerged depicting a heavy military presence in Zahedan, particularly around the Makki Grand Mosque, intensifying tensions on this day. Nevertheless, the Zahedan Prosecutor dismissed reports of shooting incidents, characterizing the situation as normal.

About Bloody Friday of Zahedan

Last year, during the nationwide protests of 2022 in Iran sparked by the tragic death in detention of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, Zahedan witnessed a brutal crackdown on September 30, 2022. As protestors converged at the Great Mosalla of Zahedan after the Friday prayers, the Iranian security forces unleashed a barrage of live ammunition, metal pellets, and tear gas, resulting in significant casualties. This tragedy, now known as the “Bloody Friday of Zahedan,” has come to symbolize the Iranian authorities’ increasing disdain for the sanctity of human life and the broader struggles of the Baloch community in the country.
Read HRA’s report for an overview and contextual information about the event.