Iran-born man Mehran Samak, 27, was tragically killed after joining the crowd of people protesting the Iranian government following their team’s loss to the US during the World Cup.
The 27-year-old protester was killed in died in Bandar Anzali, a city in northern Iran while celebrating with anti-government protesters following Tuesday’s match. He sat in his car after Iran’s loss 0-1 loss and began honking his horn to commemorate the country’s elimination. According to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based organization, Samak was subsequently shot and killed by government authorities.
“Definitely after another bitter night last night and with the news of your death, my heart is even more on fire,” said Iranian soccer midfielder Saeed Ezatolahi, a childhood friend of the deceased. “This is not what our youth deserve. This is not what my Iran deserves,” he went on. “Be sure that someday when the masks fall and the truth appears, they’ll pay for your family’s mournful hearts and your mother’s grief.”
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Former Iranian soccer player discusses the death of Mehran Samak
Despite Iranian police denying any involvement in Samak’s death, Mohammad Ahmadzadeh, who played for Iran from 1988 to 1990, has called for city officials to be held accountable for the unjustifiable death of a citizen.
“Hello to all my fellow people of Anzali who are bereaved because we have lost yet another youth, Mehran Samak,” he began, per CNN. “We’ve lost this dear one and all the people of Anzali are bereaved.”
“I don’t know what their crime was. I want to ask the authorities of the city – what was their crime? Is it a crime, punishable by death, to honk your horn, or to be happy for whatever reason? I want to ask Mr. Donyamali, who considers himself a representative of this city – why are you silent,” the retired soccer player posed, noting that Samak was not doing anything against the law.
He proceeded to add the sentiments, “Aren’t you a rep of this city? What reaction have you shown to the events so far?”
Since the incident and the pushback from fellow citizens, the Bandar Anzali prosecutors have opened up an investigation into the “suspicious” killing. According to witnesses at the event, civilians are happy to see Iranians pushing back against the government. “I am happy, this is the government losing to the people,” one eyewitness commented.
