On Friday, August 18, defying an intensifying regime crackdown, the Resistance Units activists tied to the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) took to the streets of Zahedan to voice their ongoing dissent against the Iranian government’s oppressive rule.

 

The southeastern city of Zahedan, located in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, has been a consistent epicenter of anti-regime sentiments since the inception of the nationwide uprising in September 2022. Marking a tradition of rebellion, every Friday witnesses locals fervently rallying and voicing their grievances against Iran’s leadership, including the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and authoritative entities like the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij.

For these people, their call is broader than just the current regime. “Death to the tyrant, be it the Shah or the supreme leader!” rings out as a predominant slogan. The sentiment underscores a rejection of all forms of autocratic rule, contradicting claims by remnants of the Shah regime, who argue for a yearning among Iranians to return to the ousted Pahlavi monarchy.

 

 

Despite the regime’s intensified efforts to stifle these protests, videos sourced from Zahedan this past Friday illustrated undeterred spirits. Activists were seen brandishing placards and echoing their familiar anti-dictatorship chants. One message was abundantly clear, “Baluchestan will never remain silent before the crimes of the Shah and the mullahs,” declared a member of the Resistance Units.

While the impending anniversary of the September 2022 uprising looms, the regime’s strategy seems to center around instilling fear. Reports indicate an alarming spike in both executions and the detainment of political dissidents. The primary target? The PMOI. Recently, regime spokespeople have highlighted the PMOI as their principal adversary.

 

 

There’s also a marked uptick in pressure on incarcerated individuals with affiliations or suspected ties to the PMOI. This intensity is especially palpable in Zahedan. The upcoming September 30 marks the first anniversary of Zahedan’s “Bloody Friday”—a dark day where security forces killed over 100 unarmed civilians, including numerous children.

Yet, the resilient spirit of Zahedan’s Resistance Units remains unwavering. With placards in hand, their Friday message resonated with determination: “We will fight and overthrow this regime.”

 

 

The events of the past year have only cemented Zahedan’s role in the larger national discourse on freedom and democracy. Their message is an emblematic reminder of the aspirations of countless Iranians across the country.

 

 

 

 

 

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MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu