Minimal turnout of Baluch citizens at the funeral of “Yousef Gorgij”—a figure close to the government—in Zahedan Balochistan’s capital city; heavy presence of military forces and individuals affiliated with state institutions.
According to to reports from Baloch media, the funeral for “Yousef Gorgij” (known as Molavi Yousef Enghelabi)—who was killed by gunmen in Zahedan on the evening of Monday, September 15—was held today, Wednesday, September 17.
Video released from the ceremony show that the attendees consisted largely of military personnel, Basij members, and individuals affiliated with government and security institutions. In contrast, the turnout of Baluch citizens was extremely limited, with very few ordinary people appearing in the published photos.
In this regard, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to avenge Yousef Gorgij’s death by exacting retribution from the perpetrators.
Gorgij had participated in state-sponsored events—including last year’s February 11 (22 Bahman) rally—and consistently supported the policies of the Islamic Republic in his speeches and public stances. He had also adopted positions aligning with the official state narrative regarding protests and demands made by Baluch and Sunni citizens; this stance led the Baluch community to view him as an individual closely aligned with government and security institutions.
His final media appearance prior to his death took place on Sunday, September 14, at the funeral for security personnel killed in clashes in the Bakhshan district of Saravan, where he gave interviews to IRGC-affiliated media outlets.
On the evening of Monday, September 15, gunmen opened fire on him in front of his home in Zahedan, and he lost his life after being struck by bullets. CCTV footage capturing the moment of the shooting has also previously been released by state media.