Chief Judiciary Official of Khuzestan Province Labels Water Shortage Protesters as ‘System Enemies’
Sadegh Moradi, the chief judiciary official of Khuzestan Province, labeled protesters against water shortage conditions in Khuzestan Province as “system enemies” and stated that action would be taken against those who caused disruption to security, deprived people of peace and comfort, damaged public property, and collaborated with “system enemies and foreign adversaries” in creating recent insecurity and unrest.
According to the ISNA news agency report on Sunday, August 10, he made these remarks following a visit to Sepidare Prison in Ahvaz and a meeting with a group of detainees from these protests.
According to the report, he also stated that some of the detainees have been released and orders have been issued for the release of several others. He did not disclose the exact number of detainees.
The chief judiciary official of Khuzestan Province stated that judicial orders for the release and prompt investigation of charges against some detainees have been issued, and some will be released “with bail reductions and sureties.”
According to Sadegh Moradi, cases of individuals with security-related charges will be reviewed “outside of normal procedures and as quickly as possible.”
These remarks were made by the government official while on Saturday, August 9, Arash Sadeghi, a former political prisoner, told Voice of America that at least 122 citizens have been arrested in Khuzestan Province. He said these arrests were conducted house-to-house by security and military forces, and the detainees have been transferred to unknown locations with no information available about their condition.
The protests in Khuzestan, which initially began as objections to water shortage conditions, intensified within just a few days following confrontations between security forces and protesters. The protests spread from Khuzestan to other provinces, and protesters chanted slogans against the government and the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khamenei.
According to international human rights organizations, at least 8 protesters were killed during the recent protests. Iranian authorities also disrupted internet services.
Source: Voice of America
