Lawmaker Decries Lack Of Justice For 'Bloody Friday' In Zahedan

Iranian lawmaker Moineddin Saeedi has condemned the lack of justice for citizens who were killed by security forces during protests in the city of Zahedan in September 2022.

Marking it as an unprecedented disaster in the history of Iran's Sunni-populated city, Saeedi expressed dismay over the failure to prosecute the perpetrators and instigators of the violence that claimed nearly 100 lives and left dozens injured during anti-regime protests on Friday, September 30, 2022.

"The bloody Friday in Zahedan was a bitter incident that can be said to have permanently affected the conditions of the province in a way," Saeedi told Didban Iran website.

Despite widespread calls for accountability, none of the security personnel involved in the violence have faced justice. Saeedi lamented the government's inaction in holding those responsible accountable, stating, "We expected the perpetrators and instigators of the Black Friday to be prosecuted."

Previous attempts to seek justice have been marred by controversy, with reports indicating attempts to resolve the matter through blood money settlements, disregarding the demands of the victims' families.

Saeedi also criticized the government's response to the recent floods that devastated the Sunni-majority province of Sistan-Baluchestan, highlighting the contrast between the swift action taken to transport ballot boxes for parliamentary elections on March 1 and the lack of assistance provided to flood victims.

"How could you bring ballot boxes with a boat, but couldn't help the flood victims?" Saeedi questioned.

Furthermore, Saeedi revealed that the bank accounts of individuals collecting donations for flood victims have been blocked, exacerbating the plight of those affected by the disaster.

The southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan, home to a large Baluch population, has historically faced economic deprivation and persecution. Estimates suggest that around half a million people in the region have been left homeless and stranded following the devastating flash floods in early March.