TEHRAN: Maulana Abdul Hamid, Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, called the large presence of people in Iran as a sign of demand for “significant changes,” stating that the main demands of the people are freedom, justice, and true meritocracy. He emphasized that the people want capable and deserving individuals to be placed in positions of power, and that the division of responsibilities should not be based on relationships, parties, or factions. According to him, utilizing the capacities of all men and women, ethnic groups, religions, and various sectors of society is one of the fundamental requests of the people. He added that the slogans of the people indicate their desire for the implementation of justice, political freedoms, free political activity, freedom of the press and expression, and respect for beliefs. Maulana called on officials to accept the people’s demands, asserting that it is in the interest of the country to heed the will of the people. He called “peaceful protest” as the legal right of people and urged demonstrators to avoid destruction, conflict, and insults. He also requested security forces not to stand against the people and to respect national will. He further emphasized the importance of maintaining security in Sistan and Baluchestan province, noting that due to its border status, stability and calmness in the province are particularly significant. He urged the people to pursue their demands through civil means and to remain vigilant against infiltrating agents. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington would react if protesters in Iran were killed. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also emphasized that the Islamic Republic does not seek war, but will respond if attacked again. Additionally, the Iran Human Rights Organization reported that during 13 days of protests, at least 51 protesters, including 9 children, were killed, and hundreds were injured.
