Iran’s security forces fired on residents of Zahedan who gathered yesterday to mark the anniversary of “Bloody Friday”.

Four children were among at least 23 protesters who were injured.

The rally was commemorating the mass killing of about 90 protesters and worshippers on September 30, 2022 in the city in southeastern Iran. The demonstration was the first in Zahedan for “Woman. Life. Freedom”, two weeks after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini — detained and reportedly beaten by “morality police” over her “inappropriate attire” — died in police custody in Tehran.

Videos and photos on social media showed the injured being carried to safety and treated in hospitals, while other protesters tried to flee amid the gunfire.

Despite the threat of imprisonment, injury, or even death, residents have gathered for 52 consecutive Fridays after prayers led by Moulavi Abdolhamid, Iran’s top Sunni cleric.

Authorities have arrested Abdolhamid’s senior aides and other clerics in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, but have not quelled the messages in the mosques.

On Friday, Abdolhamid repeated that those responsible for “Bloody Friday” must be held accountable.