On Thursday, December 29, 2022, in Semirom, Isfahan Province, people attended funeral ceremonies. They had participated in large scales to commemorate Ali Abbasi who was killed by Iran’s security forces during protests on November 2022.
On the next day, Iran’s security forces torn down photos and posters of Semirom’s slain protesters. This event provoked outrage among the people. On Saturday, December 31, 2022, demonstrators gathered in front of the city’s governorate. They demanded the government to be held accountable for the disturbing act. Not only did state officials leave the demonstrators without a proper response but ordered state’s special forces to open fire on them. The forced took aim at the people from rooftops of offices. The scene soon turned violent.
On Sunday morning, January 1, 2023, more than 1,000 armed men were stationed in various locations in the Semirom. The special forces were situated at the City’s clinics as well as the health and welfare centers. Also, at the main square and the main municipality building. As business owners set to strike at Semirom’s bazaar security measures tightened. The number of government forces increased very fast. As of 5:00 a.m. Sunday, January 1, 2023, government forces stormed people’s homes and arrested Ali Abbasi’s sister. Two brothers of Murad Bahramian, another slain protester, were also arrested. Semirom was filled with state’s special forces and its counter-terrorism force (NOPO). Footage available shows the overall scenes.
The citizens in Semirom are currently in a very worrying situation. Dozens of victim’s family members have been taken away by the forces. At least hundreds of forces remain within the city premises. The internet has either been totally shut down or at very low access.
