Judicial Claims and Demands for Justice in the Zahedan Bloody Friday Case
Introduction
On the eve of the third anniversary of the “Zahedan Bloody Friday” tragedy (September 30, 2022), Ali Movahedi Rad, Chief Justice of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, made statements regarding the case during the “Peace and Reconciliation” ceremony held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Valayat Hall of the Sistan and Baluchestan Governorate. This report examines the claims made, the reactions of the victims’ families, and details of related judicial proceedings. It also addresses the visit of governmental, judicial, and military officials to the Makki Mosque in Zahedan and the apologies offered by some. This report is prepared for publication on the Balochistan Human Rights Group website to provide transparent information and support the families’ demands for justice.
Summary of the Chief Justice’s Statements
Ali Movahedi Rad claimed during the ceremony that:
- Issuance of Verdicts for the Accused: The judiciary, after thoroughly reviewing the case and confirming intentional murder, sentenced the accused in the Zahedan incident to the maximum legal penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. These verdicts were issued based on Islamic jurisprudence and Iran’s penal laws.
- Recognition of Martyrs and Payment of Blood Money: Innocent victims of the incident have been recognized as “martyrs,” and their blood money (diyya) has been paid. Additionally, the injured have been designated as “disabled veterans” and are receiving support services.
- Judicial Challenges: In cases where the primary shooter could not be identified due to group firing, a collective intentional murder verdict was issued per Islamic jurisprudence and penal law.
- Exceptional Support: Some victims’ families, despite not qualifying for coverage under the Martyr Foundation, have exceptionally received blood money and necessary support.
Movahedi Rad provided no details regarding the “Khash Bloody Friday” case (November 4, 2022). Previously, on April 20, 2025, the provincial military prosecutor issued a dismissal of charges for the officers involved, deeming the shooting “legitimate defense.”
Reactions of Victims’ Families
The families of the deceased and injured expressed ignorance of the claims made and rejected them. They demand public trials for the main perpetrators and instigators of the killings in Zahedan and Khash, asserting that none of the primary culprits have been prosecuted or punished. Citing past experiences, these families lack trust in the judicial system’s handling of offending military personnel and emphasize that financial compensations and titles like “martyr” or “disabled veteran” are not substitutes for justice.
Related Judicial Proceedings
- First Hearing (February 7, 2024):
- Held at the Zahedan Armed Forces Judicial Complex under the presidency of Mohammad Marzieh.
- Some families of the deceased and injured were present.
- The families’ request for a videographer from the Makki complex was denied by Abolfazl Mahgoli, head of the Armed Forces Judicial Organization.
- Second Hearing (February 12, 2024):
- Also held at the Zahedan Armed Forces Judicial Complex.
- Eyewitnesses, families’ lawyers, and the accused’s lawyers were barred from attending.
- The accused consisted of only seven officers from Zahedan’s 16th Police Station, who claimed they did not shoot directly at people but fired into the air to disperse protesters.
- These accused were free on bail, despite families being told they were in custody.
Authorities’ Visit to Makki Mosque
On the evening of September 21, 2025, ahead of the third anniversary of the Zahedan tragedy, governmental, judicial, and military officials, including:
- Ali Movahedi Rad (Chief Justice),
- Mansour Bijar (Governor),
- General Mortazavi (Commander of the Quds Base in Southeast),
- General Eshaqi (Provincial Police Commander),
along with tribal leaders, visited the Makki Mosque in Zahedan and met with the victims’ families. During this visit: - Apologies by Authorities: The governor, on behalf of the government, and the police commander, on behalf of the police forces, apologized to the people and the victims’ families. Bijar concluded by saying, “Leave it to God.”
- Remarks by Molavi Abdulhamid: The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan emphasized the innocence of all the deceased and injured, stating to the authorities that their primary mistake was disregarding Baloch customs and culture and using coercive measures, which could have been avoided to gain the people’s satisfaction.
- Judicial Promises: Authorities announced provisions for residential land, financial aid, livelihood services, and the formation of a task force to fairly distribute public and governmental aid to the victims’ families. Additionally, full blood money (1.6 billion tomans), financial assistance, 400 square meters of land, and Martyr Foundation benefits were promised to some families.
Analysis and Conclusion
The Chief Justice’s statements and the authorities’ promises come amidst numerous contradictions and ambiguities in the case:
- Lack of Transparency in Identifying Main Perpetrators: Despite claims of sentencing the accused to 10 years’ imprisonment, families believe the main culprits have not been prosecuted.
- Restrictions in Judicial Proceedings: Barring witnesses and lawyers from hearings and the lack of transparency in the process have undermined public trust.
- Ambiguity in the Khash Case: The absence of clarification on this case and the issuance of a dismissal for the officers involved have intensified criticism.
- Families’ Dissatisfaction: Financial promises and titles like “martyr” or “disabled veteran” have failed to satisfy the families, who demand justice and public trials.
This report highlights that, despite efforts by authorities to de-escalate tensions, a deep gap remains between official claims and the families’ demands for justice. The Balochistan Human Rights Group emphasizes the need for public trials and just punishment of the instigators and perpetrators of these crimes and calls on the international community and human rights organizations to apply necessary pressure to achieve justice in this case.
