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Iranian leader Ali Khamenei has condemned the kidnapping and murder of renowned Sunni cleric Molavi Abdulvahed Rigi in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan in southeast Iran, affirming that those responsible worked for groups opposed to the progress and unity of all Iranian ethnic groups.

Sunni cleric Molavi Abdulvahed Rigi, a pro-Islamic Revolution cleric, was abducted and murdered on Thursday.

The cleric was present at his mosque on Thursday, according to Mehdi Shamsabadi, the province's prosecutor, but unidentified men called him from the back door, forcing him to get in a vehicle that had no license plate.

Shamsabadi explained that local authorities were mobilized to search for the Cleric. His body, however, was discovered in Khash County on the side of the road with three entry and exit bullet wounds to his head.

In a heartfelt message, Khamenei expressed his deepest sadness and send his sincerest condolences to Rigi’s family.

The tragic kidnapping of Mr. Molawi Abdulwahid Rigi (may God bestow His mercy on him) and the martyrdom of this courageous, benevolent cleric has brought my sorrow and grief. pic.twitter.com/1K2YPfDvx4

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) December 14, 2022

"The villains who committed this crime are disgraceful mercenaries who are at the service of the enemies of the welfare of our Baluch countrymen & the unity of Iranian ethnic groups. The responsible government agencies must quickly & sternly pursue & punish the criminals”, Khamenei added.

It is also worth noting that the Iranian Intelligence Ministry announced the arrest of three of the main perpetrators of the assassination of Sunni cleric Mowlavi Abdolvahed Rigi.

Recently, the Sistan and Baluchestan province has experienced foreign-backed riots, especially in Zahedan, as several terrorist operations were carried out that led to the martyrdom of a number of Iranian nationals.

The terrorists have killed numerous Basij members and members of the security forces after torturing them and setting fire to public property.