Protests and missing football fan – that happened in Iran, Turkey on Friday: numerous arrests after the mining disaster

Sahedan Police Chief Fired

Security forces are said to have used violence against protesters in southeastern Iran on Friday. Eyewitnesses reported that shots were heard in large parts of the city of Sahedan after Friday prayers. City dwellers feared many deaths. Videos of bloody scenes were shared on social media, the authenticity of which could not be independently verified at first. Four weeks ago, security forces in the city cracked down on protests.

Police chief Sahedan was previously fired from his position after being criticized. Media said the looting was the result of an investigation into the September 30 protests in the city. Dozens of people are said to have been killed by security forces in Sahedan after Friday prayers four weeks ago. Officially, the authorities spoke of an attack on a police station and described the participants in the protests as “terrorists”. The police chief was unable to prevent the attack, the critics said.

However, the unusual dismissal had also sparked speculation that the police leadership might have rejected the hard line. An influential Sunni cleric in Sahedan, Malawi Abdulhamid, also recently criticized the course of political leadership in the predominantly Shia country. Other local clerics are said to have joined his criticism.

The trigger for the systemic mass protests in Iran last month was the death of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini. The vice squad arrested her for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code. The woman died on September 16 in police custody. Since her death, thousands across the country have demonstrated against the government’s repressive course and Islamic rule system.

More protests in Tehran

Many people were also on the streets in the capital Tehran on Friday evening. In many places, residents also showed solidarity with the protesters from the balconies, eyewitnesses reported. According to reports, security forces have also fired at apartments.

In addition to protest slogans, some also called for a referendum. However, many people keep calling for the system to be overthrown. It is considered extremely unlikely that Iran’s leaders will make concessions and decide on social easing.

Missing football fan

A Spanish football fan who walked from his home country to the World Cup in Qatar is said to have disappeared in Iran.

Santiago Sánchez Cogedor last reported on Instagram on Oct. 1 – when he was in northern Iraq on the border with Iran. It is not known where the Spaniard is now, says a spokeswoman for the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Spanish embassy in Tehran is in contact with the Iranian authorities and relatives in Spain.

However, the Europa Press news agency and other Spanish media, citing the missing man’s mother, reported that her son was in prison in Iran. He is doing well and the Spanish ambassador in Tehran wants to visit him in prison. The embassy is trying to get her out. A few weeks ago, security authorities reported the arrest of several European citizens in connection with the systemic protests.

Protests in Shiraz after attack

Government supporters demonstrated Friday during state-organized protests following Wednesday’s attack in the city of Shiraz. The attack, which the Islamic State (IS) terrorist militia claimed was responsible, killed 13 people and injured dozens. Tehran blames its nemesis the US and Israel for the attack and announced revenge, as well as the protesters. Many Iranians fear that security forces will crack down on demonstrations after the attack. (sda/dpa/lst)