DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – An Iranian man, identified as Ahmad Baledi, who set himself on fire following the shutdown of his family's food stand by municipal workers, has succumbed to his injuries. This tragic event has prompted President Masoud Pezeshkian to call for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On Tuesday night, Pezeshkian’s announcement followed the detention of a district mayor and the head of the enforcement unit in the southwestern city of Ahvaz. According to the state-run IRNA news agency, warrants have also been issued for three others connected to the case. Baledi's death has reignited public discourse regarding poverty and governmental actions within the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The 20-year-old Baledi died on November 2 after suffering severe burns that covered 70% of his body. His act of self-immolation took place in a park in Ahvaz, located in Iran’s oil-rich but often troubled Khuzestan province, as municipal workers dismantled his family’s food stand, which was their sole source of income.
Initially, the municipality of Ahvaz claimed that the closure was a court-sanctioned eviction and indicated that officials did not engage in "coercive action." However, following Baledi's death, President Pezeshkian ordered the interior ministry to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and expressed condolences to the Baledi family.
As of now, there have been no significant protests or unrest in Ahvaz following Baledi's death. This city, situated around 550 kilometers (340 miles) southwest of Tehran, has experienced protests in the past, particularly regarding issues faced by the ethnic Arab population, who allege discrimination under Iran's Shiite government. Additionally, concerns about water supply shortages in the region have also sparked public demonstrations. The incident highlights the ongoing economic struggles and societal issues prevalent in the area.
In conclusion, Baledi's dramatic act of desperation has brought attention not only to individual suffering but also to broader issues of social justice and economic hardship in Iran. The government's response will likely be closely monitored both domestically and internationally in the wake of this tragedy.
