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The tragic narrative of an Iranian family highlights the harrowing consequences of the regime’s violent repression of dissenting voices. Hooman, a 37-year-old man, was fatally shot during a protest in Lahijan, northern Iran, last month. In an unsettling twist, his family was compelled to pay for the very bullet that took his life, a grim reminder of the human cost of state-led violence against protesters.
A Fatal Protest
Hooman’s aunt, Nasrin, spoke to Sky News from Germany, where she resides for her safety. She recounted how her nephew joined peaceful demonstrations, unarmed and without any means of self-defence. “Hooman took to the streets without a weapon,” she lamented. “He didn’t even have a small rock in his pockets to defend himself, but he was shot with a military bullet.” The protests escalated dramatically when security forces responded to unrest by setting fire to the bazaar where Hooman was present, leading to chaos and gunfire as demonstrators fled the inferno.
An hour prior to his death, Hooman had indicated on social media that if he did not return, it meant he had sacrificed his life for the freedom of others. His aunt revealed that he had been married just three years before this tragic incident, and the family was left to endure a heart-wrenching search through hospitals, confronting the grim reality of piled bodies as they sought their loved one.
A Gruesome Discovery
Describing the harrowing experience, Nasrin recounted, “They saw so many people crying, all screaming, suffering in every way possible. There were several containers. They said the body was in the containers. When they opened the doors, there were several corpses stacked on top of each other.” This nightmare scenario is sadly familiar to many families in Iran, who have faced similar fates during the ongoing protests.
In a further display of the regime’s cruelty, Nasrin reported that her family was coerced into burying Hooman immediately and was made to sign a document that prohibited them from discussing the incident. “They had to pay for the bullet that killed their son,” she stated, emphasising the heartlessness of the authorities.
The High Cost of Dissent
Human rights organisations have documented a distressing trend where families of victims are made to bear the financial burden associated with the deaths of protesters. Reports indicate that the costs encompass not only ammunition but also mortuary fees, often amounting to thousands of dollars. Families in poorer economic situations find themselves trapped, faced with threats of anonymous burials if they cannot pay. “They shoot the young people and then they demand money for the bullet. Are these the people in power or are they murderers?” Nasrin questioned, clearly outraged.
When asked about accountability, she pointed unequivocally to the Iranian government, stating, “The Mullahs. They’re all murderers; they all have the blood of the Iranian people on their hands.” This sentiment resonates with many Iranians who feel abandoned by their leaders.
International Perspectives and Local Sentiments
With ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s international relations, particularly with US President Donald Trump, Nasrin expressed scepticism regarding external intervention. She believes that genuine change must arise from within Iran rather than through foreign military engagement. “From outside, they just want war; they want to destroy our country. We don’t want that,” she asserted, underscoring a desire for peaceful reform.
As Iran commemorates the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Republic, President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology for the severe crackdown on protests, stating, “We are ashamed before the people, and we are obligated to assist all those who were harmed in these incidents.” However, the sincerity of such statements remains in question as the death toll continues to rise.
Why it Matters
The tragedy of Hooman’s death and the subsequent treatment of his family serve as a poignant reminder of the dire human rights situation in Iran. The regime’s brutal tactics against its citizens not only highlight the urgent need for accountability but also illuminate the struggles faced by ordinary Iranians in their quest for freedom and justice. As protests continue and the death toll rises, the world must pay attention to these violations and support the voices calling for change within the country.
