Monitoring Desk
IRAN: Mehran Samak, 27, was shot reportedly in the head after honking his car horn to celebrate Iran’s defeat by the United States of America (USA) in the Football World Cup 2022.
As per the reports, in Bandae Anzail, a man was killed by Iranian security forces as anti-government protesters celebrated the elimination of the national football team from the World Cup. Iran was defeated by 1-0. Many Iranians chose not to support Iran national football team during the tournament in Qatar. They viewed it as Islamic Republic symbol.
Football World Cup 2022
Videos which were posted online showed protesters across Iran, publicly cheering after Iranian team’s defeat as they were knocked out of the world cup. Mehran Samak, a 27-year-old who was among the protesters shot in the head for celebrating Iran’s defeat by honking his car horn. Mourners at his funeral chanted the anti-regime slogan: “You are the filth, you are immoral, I am a free woman.”
In Sanandaj, protesters danced along to music, while in Marivan and Kermanshah they were heard chanting the slogan “Woman, life, freedom.” State-affiliated media accused forces of Iran for being unfair to the national team. They also accused them of putting pressure on the players.
Iranian officials deny killing protesters. On the other hand, a social media channel for opposition activists, 1500tasvir, posted videos that appear to show Iranian security forces opening fire on protestors in Behbahan. They were seen assaulting a woman too in Qazvin.
At least 30 people were wounded and shot by Iranian security forces while celebrating the defeat in World Cup in Marivan, Kermanshah, Sanandaj, Ilam and Bukan, Saqqez, according to Kurdish human rights group Hengaw.
