TEHRAN: Senior Sunni Muslim cleric Molavi Yusef Gorgij was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in southeastern Iran on Monday, according to the country’s official IRNA news agency.
IRNA reported the killing while citing local authorities, but the initial report provided limited information about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities had not immediately identified the gunmen or disclosed a suspected motive for the killing. Moreover, the report did not specify whether security forces had arrested any suspects in connection with the shooting.
Local Governor Highlights Cleric’s Political Position
IRNA quoted a local governor as saying Gorgij had been active in opposing what the official described as “divisive elements and Zionism.”
The governor’s remarks appeared to indicate that the senior Sunni cleric maintained a position supportive of the Iranian government on politically sensitive issues.
However, authorities did not immediately say whether Gorgij’s religious or political activities had any connection to Monday’s killing.
The initial report also provided no details about possible threats against the cleric before the attack.
Gunmen’s Identity and Motive Remain Unknown
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities had not publicly attributed the shooting to any individual, organisation or armed group.
Consequently, the identity of the attackers and the motive behind the assassination remained unclear in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
The killing is expected to draw attention because of Gorgij’s status as a senior Sunni religious figure in predominantly Shia Iran and the politically sensitive location of the attack.
Nevertheless, officials had released few additional details by Monday.
Authorities are expected to investigate the shooting and determine whether the attack resulted from Gorgij’s religious position, political activities or another motive. No group had immediately claimed responsibility, according to the information initially available.
