Kianoosh Sanjari: A Life in Pursuit of Freedom Ends in Tragedy, Iran Faces Dilemma: Burning Mazut or Power Outages, Shocking Death Sentences for Six Defendants in the “Ekbatan Case”, Iranian President: “We Must Manage Our Approach to the U.S. to Miti

Week of November 11, 2024 | Iran Unfiltered is a digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council

On November 13, Kianoosh Sanjari, a prominent Iranian activist, journalist, and former political prisoner, took his own life in an act of protest. Hours before his death, Sanjari tweeted: “7 PM, Hafiz Bridge, Charsou.” The cryptic message was followed by a wave of concern and, ultimately, confirmation of his passing from close friends, including fellow activist Abdollah Momeni, who posted: “Unfortunately, Kianoosh is gone. I arrived at Hafiz Bridge.”

Sanjari’s protest centered on the continued detention of political prisoners in Iran. In a statement on the platform X (formerly Twitter), he declared his intent to end his life if prominent detainees Fatemeh Sepehri, Nasrin Shakarami, Toomaj Salehi, and Arsham Rezaei—were not freed by the evening of November 13. He described his planned action as a stand against what he called “the dictatorship of Khamenei and his partners.”

Rokna, an Iranian news outlet, reported that Sanjari jumped from the upper floors of the Charsou Complex in central Tehran at the intersection of Jomhouri and Hafiz Streets, falling to his death. Sanjari’s final social media post sparked an outpouring of reactions from political activists, artists, and media figures, with many urging him to reconsider. Some emphasized the need for resilience in fighting against oppression, while others raised concerns that his social media account may have been compromised by Iranian security forces.

Born in September 1982, Kianoosh Sanjari became politically active as a teenager. At just 17, he was arrested during the 1999 Tehran University dormitory protests and spent months in solitary confinement. Over the course of his life, he was arrested nine times, serving a total of two years in prison, including nine months in solitary confinement. He described solitary confinement as “the most torturous form of psychological abuse” in an interview with Amnesty International Norway.

Sanjari’s activism extended beyond Iran’s borders. After a period of exile in the United States, where he worked for Voice of America, he returned to Iran in 2016. His return led to his immediate arrest and an 11-year sentence (five years mandatory, six suspended), as well as a two-year travel ban..

Tehran’s Criminal Court has launched an investigation into the circumstances of Sanjari’s death. Mohammad Shahriari, the court’s head, stated: “On Wednesday evening, the body of a man was found near Hafiz Bridge. Forensic specialists and homicide investigators are reviewing the incident, including CCTV footage from the Charsou Complex.” Shahriari added that Sanjari’s body has been sent for autopsy and toxicology analysis, and authorities are examining his public threats of suicide.

Reports indicate that Sanjari had attended a psychotherapy session earlier that day, where he denied any intention of suicide. Yet, hours later, he ended his life.

Sanjari’s activism came at a great personal cost. A year before his death in 2023, he had advertised his social media account for sale, citing financial difficulties stemming from political persecution and unemployment. His X account, with 91,000 followers, chronicled his hardships, including images of him working in manual labor.

Throughout his life, Sanjari was accused of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic,” charges he consistently denied. He maintained that these accusations stemmed from his social media posts and public criticisms of the government.

Sanjari’s death has ignited broader discussions about the immense psychological toll borne by activists under authoritarian regimes. His life and tragic death highlight the lengths to which individuals go in the fight for freedom and justice, as well as the profound human cost of repression in Iran.

Iran Faces a Dilemma: Burning Mazut or Power Outages

As of Monday, November 11, Iran has implemented nationwide power outages based on a predetermined schedule. Each region will experience two hours of power cuts daily, between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Last week, the Vice President and government spokesperson announced the start of these scheduled outages following the decision to halt mazut consumption at three power plants. President Massoud Pezeshkian had ordered the cessation of mazut burning at power plants in Arak, Karaj, and Isfahan, citing public health concerns. Pezeshkian stated: “We cannot allow lives to be lost just to maintain electricity supply.”

On November 7, Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah, the President’s Executive Deputy, confirmed the halt of mazut burning due to its significant contribution to air pollution and health issues in areas near the three plants. He reported that approximately 16 million tons of mazut were being burned, exacerbating pollution and respiratory illnesses.

Iran’s energy sector has been grappling with an escalating imbalance in gasoline, gas, and electricity supply. On November 8, Erfan Afzali, Secretary-General of the Oil Industry Federation, told ILNA News Agency that these imbalances, while seasonal for gas and electricity, are worsening annually.

Afzali criticized the government for its lack of urgent and effective measures, despite recognizing the shortages. He pointed to recommendations from academic research centers, industrial organizations, and the Chamber of Commerce, including improving the efficiency of thermal power plants, expanding renewable energy infrastructure, and optimizing production and consumption practices.

While acknowledging the challenges sanctions pose on the Iranian energy sector, Afzali emphasized the need for “constructive and mutually beneficial engagement with the global community.” He highlighted the potential for collaboration with BRICS countries such as Russia, India, China, and South Africa to mitigate the impact of sanctions.

On November 10, the government officially announced the start of scheduled power outages, attributing the decision to fuel shortages at power plants and the need to reduce mazut-related air pollution.

Qaempanah reiterated that the decision followed technical evaluations and aimed to “prevent pollution caused by mazut burning.” However, critics argue that the outages reflect a deeper crisis in electricity production. Some suggest that the government is using environmental concerns as a pretext to mask systemic energy production issues.

Experts have long blamed sanctions, mismanagement, and flawed government policies for Iran’s persistent energy crises. Questions persist about how a country with vast natural gas reserves faces recurring shortages and why efforts focus on bypassing sanctions rather than resolving them.

Iran’s current energy challenges highlight the need for long-term solutions, including increased efficiency, investment in renewable energy, and improved governance. As power outages disrupt daily life, the country faces mounting pressure to address its energy imbalance while safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.

Shocking Death Sentences for Six Defendants in the “Ekbatan Case”

Babak Paknia, a prominent defense attorney, announced on Wednesday that Tehran’s Criminal Court has issued death sentences for six defendants in the case of Arman Ali-Vardi’s killing, commonly referred to as the “Ekbatan Case.” In a post on the social media platform X, Paknia wrote: “In the Ekbatan case, the 13th branch of the Tehran Criminal Court sentenced Milad Armoon, Alireza Kafaee, Amir Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmarz Pournak to execution (Qisas).” Reza Shafakhah, another lawyer representing one of the defendants, confirmed the news.

Paknia emphasized that the verdict is preliminary and subject to appeal. The case dates back to November 2022 during nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody of the morality police. Arman Ali-Vardi, a Basij paramilitary member, was reportedly assaulted on November 4, 2022, in Tehran’s Ekbatan residential complex amid the protests. He succumbed to his injuries in a hospital on November 6.

Following the incident, at least 50 residents of Ekbatan were arrested by security forces. Among them, Armoon, Kafaee, Khosh-Eghbal, Najaran, Nemati, and Barmarz Pournak emerged as the primary defendants in the case. All six have consistently denied the charges against them.

According to Paknia, the decision was made by the court’s presiding consultants, with the court’s chief judge reportedly dissenting and issuing a minority opinion against the ruling. Despite this, the majority decision prevailed, resulting in the death sentences.

The six defendants have endured a tumultuous legal journey. Some of them— Armoon, Najaran, Mehdi Imani, and Hosseini—have been in detention since their arrests in the fall of 2022. The other defendants, Kafaee, Khosh-Eghbal, Nemati, and Barmarz Pournak, were initially released on bail but were rearrested on November 4, 2023.

The Ekbatan residential complex in western Tehran became a focal point of anti-government demonstrations during the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. Nightly gatherings and chants echoed through the area as protests against the government’s crackdown continued.

The death sentences handed down in this case have sparked fresh concerns about the judicial process in Iran. Critics argue that the defendants have not received fair trials and that the verdicts are part of a broader effort to suppress dissent.

This development comes as human rights organizations continue to call for accountability and transparency in Iran’s judicial system, especially regarding cases related to the suppression of nationwide protests. The six defendants now face a critical moment, with appeals likely to be their last hope for justice.

Pezeshkian Expresses Willingness to Cooperate with IAEA to Address Concerns Amid Grossi Visit

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, November 13, for a two-day visit, holding key meetings with senior Iranian officials. On Thursday morning, November 14, he met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and later with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization.

Following his meeting with Grossi, Araghchi described the discussions as “constructive and positive” and emphasized Tehran’s willingness to cooperate with the IAEA to resolve nuclear issues through dialogue rather than pressure. He stated, “We clarified the path for Iran-IAEA cooperation over the next year, which is critical for addressing Iran’s nuclear dossier.”

Grossi’s visit comes at a crucial time, with heightened international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. During a press conference earlier in the day, Grossi stressed the need for diplomatic solutions, saying, “Nuclear facilities should never be targeted militarily. There are numerous international laws that protect them, and these must be respected.” He reiterated his commitment to finding solutions while acknowledging the tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

In his meeting with Grossi, President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology, citing a religious decree by Iran’s Supreme Leader banning nuclear weapons. He stated, “We are ready to cooperate with the IAEA to address ambiguities and concerns about our peaceful nuclear activities.”

Grossi, while acknowledging Iran’s recent advances in nuclear technology, including applications in medicine and agriculture, noted that further cooperation would depend on progress in resolving safeguards issues.

Grossi’s visit follows a confidential IAEA report in September, which revealed that Iran continued enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels and had sufficient material to potentially produce four nuclear bombs if enrichment levels were further increased. These findings have drawn sharp criticism from European powers, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which accused Iran of violating its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA).

In a joint statement to the IAEA Board of Governors, the three European nations expressed concern over Iran’s expanding nuclear activities, calling for full cooperation with IAEA inspectors and a halt to high-level enrichment.

The JCPOA, signed in 2015, effectively collapsed after the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under President Donald Trump. While President Joe Biden’s administration had expressed interest in renegotiating the deal, efforts to revive talks between Tehran and Washington have so far yielded no substantial progress.

In an interview before his Tehran visit, Grossi warned that the international community’s patience with Iran was wearing thin. Speaking at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, he stated, “The global situation is becoming increasingly tense, and the space for maneuvering on the nuclear issue is shrinking. Iran must explore diplomatic pathways to reach a resolution.”

This sentiment was echoed by Araghchi, who acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying, “We hope these talks will reduce tensions and pave the way for meaningful negotiations before the situation deteriorates further.”

Grossi’s visit also included plans to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow and Natanz. His last trip to Tehran occurred during the previous Iranian administration in May 2022, where he sought to enhance cooperation and address unresolved issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

The ongoing discussions underscore the precarious state of Iran’s nuclear relations with the international community. Notably, Axios reported on November 15 that Israel had struck a site at the Parchin military complex in Iran that was reportedly used for research related to the development of nuclear weapons in its October 26 attack. While Iran had downplayed the strike, such claims – if accurate – could increase Iran’s eagerness to retaliate militarily or by expanding its nuclear program. With diplomatic avenues narrowing and regional tensions escalating, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Iran and the IAEA can chart a path toward de-escalation and renewed cooperation.

Meanwhile, European powers are reportedly pushing for a new resolution against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors. According to a report by Reuters, diplomats said the resolution would demand more detailed reporting on Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly concerning the discovery of uranium particles at undeclared sites. The resolution, expected to be discussed next week, aims to increase pressure on Tehran for its lack of cooperation with the IAEA.

Iranian President: “We Must Manage Our Approach to the U.S. to Mitigate Costs”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for a strategic approach towards managing relations with the United States during a meeting with former Iranian foreign ministers on Tuesday, November 12. Referring to the recent election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, Pezeshkian stated: “Whether we like it or not, we will inevitably face the U.S. on regional and international fronts. It is better to manage this engagement ourselves.”

The president also noted that Iran’s foreign policy would continue to align with the overarching strategies and principles of the Islamic Republic. He highlighted efforts made by his administration to resolve some foreign policy issues since taking office, saying: “Our relations with neighboring countries are currently favorable, and agreements have been reached in recent meetings and discussions.”

Pezeshkian reiterated his government’s openness to expanding relations with all nations, including European countries, and confirmed ongoing negotiations with European states. However, he accused Israel of attempting to disrupt these efforts, referring to what he described as its “recent mischievous actions to complicate matters.”

The U.S. responded to Pezeshkian’s remarks with skepticism. Vedant Patel, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated on Thursday, November 14, “What we want from Iran is real behavioral change and practical actions, not just rhetoric or symbolic gestures.”

While the Biden administration’s spokesperson was dismissive, the New York Times reported the incoming Trump administration may already have taken a first step to initiate dialogue. Businessman and Trump donor Elon Musk reportedly met with Iranian diplomats, including Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, to explore how to “defuse tensions.” At the time of publication, neither Musk nor the Trump campaign has denied the backchannel negotiations. The New York Times, citing an Iranian official, indicated that Amb. Iravani told Mr. Musk “he should obtain sanctions exemptions from the Treasury and bring some of his businesses to Tehran.”

In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed U.S. allegations that Iran was involved in a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The U.S. Department of Justice recently indicted an Afghan national, Farhad Shakari, along with two alleged associates, for reportedly engaging in plotting to assassinate Trump on behalf of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Reporting that Iran had engaged in threats against Trump and other U.S. officials stems from Iran’s reaction to the U.S. assassination Qassem Soleimani in 2020, which led to vows of revenge.

Araghchi denied the U.S. accusations, describing them as baseless and labeling the scenario presented by U.S. authorities as a “poorly scripted comedy.” He further rejected claims that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, reiterating Tehran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear activities.

Separate reporting from the Wall Street Journal indicates that Iran assured U.S. officials in writing last month that it was not engaged in any plots against Donald Trump. On the campaign trail, Trump had noted that Biden needed to threaten to blow Iranian cities to “smithereens” if any plots came to fruition and did him harm.

Araghchi also addressed ongoing tensions with the U.S., acknowledging fundamental disagreements that may not be resolvable. However, he emphasized the importance of managing these disputes to reduce their costs and mitigate tensions.

Commenting on speculation about Trump’s potential reimplementation of a “maximum pressure” campaign, Araghchi said: “Attempts to implement a second version of maximum pressure will only lead to a second version of maximum failure for the U.S.”

As Iran faces increasing international scrutiny over its nuclear program, Pezeshkian and his administration appear to be navigating a delicate balance—seeking dialogue and cooperation while preparing for heightened pressure from the U.S. and its allies.

“De-Veiling Clinic” Sparks Backlash in Iran: Hardliners Face Criticism Amid Disagreements with Pezeshkian Administration

In a controversial move, hardline factions in Iran have announced the establishment of a “De-Veiling Clinic,” an initiative framed as a “scientific and psychological” approach to enforce mandatory hijab. The project, spearheaded by the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Headquarters, was first reported by the Women’s Seminary News Agency. The clinic, set to open in Tehran, targets “teenagers, young adults, and women seeking social and Islamic identity,” according to Mehri Talebi-Darstani, head of the Women’s and Family Division in Tehran.

While what the “clinic” will do is still somewhat unknown, the announcement has been widely criticized, with many accusing its proponents of equating resistance to mandatory hijab with mental illness or addiction. Critics argue that the clinic represents a continuation of oppressive policies against women following the suppression of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests last year.

Senior officials in President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration have strongly distanced themselves from the clinic, emphasizing that it is not a government-sanctioned program. Zahra Behrouz-Azar, Deputy Minister for Women and Family Affairs, told reporters on November 13, “Mandatory hijab is a personal and family matter. This kind of initiative has not been approved by the government.” She further criticized the clinic as being “contrary to the values of dignity and respect for women.”

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani expressed similar sentiments, stating that the administration had no prior knowledge of the clinic’s establishment. “This is not aligned with our government’s policies or principles,” she said, reinforcing the Pezeshkian administration’s stance against hardline measures.

The clinic’s creation comes amid a series of measures championed by conservative factions, including morality police patrols and mandatory “ethics classes” for individuals deemed non-compliant with hijab laws. Human rights advocates have condemned such measures as coercive and in violation of women’s freedoms. Social media users have expressed alarm at what they see as the “pathologization” of unveiling, warning of potential psychological manipulation disguised as therapy.

Talebi-Darstani has defended the clinic, claiming it was created in response to “frequent requests from families and women.” However, critics argue that this rhetoric masks an agenda of social control under the guise of psychological support.

The clinic has highlighted growing tensions between hardline factions and the Pezeshkian administration. While hardliners have linked the initiative to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s directives on combating unveiling, government officials have pushed back, calling for a more inclusive and respectful approach to societal issues.

Observers note that the clinic reflects a broader ideological divide within Iran. While hardliners view unveiling as a “religious and political transgression” requiring strict intervention, reformist elements in the government advocate for addressing societal pressures through education and family-based approaches.

The initiative has faced widespread domestic and international criticism. The legal advocacy group Dadban described the clinic as “institutionalized psychological abuse,” drawing parallels to historical cases of forced treatment for dissenting views. Activists have called on the government to prioritize systemic reforms over restrictive policies.

Social media users have mocked the clinic, questioning why similar initiatives are not being launched to address issues like corruption and nepotism among officials. Others have warned that policies like the “De-Veiling Clinic” risk exacerbating societal divisions and undermining women’s rights.

President Pezeshkian’s administration has consistently voiced its opposition to hardline policies, emphasizing the need for unity and respect for individual freedoms. The Deputy Minister for Women and Family Affairs called for “effective and dignified” approaches to societal issues, aligning with the administration’s broader reformist agenda.

As the contentious Hijab and Chastity Bill was sent by the parliament to the President for possible approval, this latest controversy underscores the ideological rift between hardliners and the Pezeshkian government. The administration’s rejection of the “De-Veiling Clinic” is seen as yet another example of its ongoing clash with conservative factions over the future direction of Iranian society.

Saudi Crown Prince Urges Global Action Against Potential Israeli Attack on Iran Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely regarded as the de facto ruler of the kingdom, made a strong appeal to the international community on Monday, urging efforts to prevent Israel from attacking Iran. The remarks came during a pivotal speech at a summit of Islamic leaders, signaling a notable shift in regional dynamics.

The Saudi Press Agency’s Persian service quoted the Crown Prince as saying:

“Saudi Arabia (…) calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining international security and peace, halting Israel’s aggressions against the peoples of Palestine and Lebanon, and compelling the occupying regime to respect the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran and refrain from attacking its territory.”

While the official Arabic transcript omitted the term “occupying regime,” the Crown Prince referred to Israel’s “illegal occupation” elsewhere in his address, accusing the nation of genocide. His remarks struck a notably anti-Israel tone, explicitly backing the rights of Palestinians and Lebanese communities. Iran has recently ramped up efforts to improve its regional influence. The Iranian Foreign Minister has conducted multiple trips to neighboring capitals, while Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, visited Damascus and Beirut as part of Tehran’s broader diplomatic outreach.

Amid these efforts, Israel conducted airstrikes on two residential buildings in western Damascus, killing at least 15 people, according to Syria’s state news agency. One of the targeted buildings was located in the Mazzeh neighborhood, home to security institutions, embassies, and United Nations offices, while the other was in Qudsaya, west of the Syrian capital.

Reuters reported that Israel confirmed the strikes, stating they targeted “military objectives,” including an Islamic Jihad command center. A senior Islamic Jihad official in Syria, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, revealed that the attack on Mazzeh hit one of their offices, killing several members. Israel has accused Islamic Jihad of participating alongside Hamas in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israeli territory.

Saudi Arabia has historically maintained a close alliance with the United States, adhering to Washington’s strategic interests in the Middle East. However, Riyadh and Tehran’s rivalry has been a defining feature of the region, predating the establishment of the Islamic Republic.

In the wake of recent geopolitical shifts, particularly since October 7, the Middle East has seen a flurry of diplomatic initiatives and positioning. Iran has made overtures to Jordan and Egypt, leveraging its regional influence to isolate Israel during military confrontations. Observers suggest Saudi Arabia may now be recalibrating its role within the region’s shifting power balance.

The timing of the Crown Prince’s speech coincides with these intensifying conflicts. In a climate of unprecedented anger across the Muslim world over Israel’s actions, the neutral stance of leaders in countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE risks alienating their populations and eroding their political legitimacy. Mohammed bin Salman’s remarks suggest he is positioning Saudi Arabia as an independent actor, distancing himself from a pro-Israel or U.S.-aligned narrative.

Notably, the Biden administration has engaged in extensive efforts to expand the Abraham Accords and forge a normalization deal between the Saudi kingdom and Israel. Much of the rationale for the move has been to solidify an Israel-Sunni bloc against Iran. However, the Crown Prince’s recent remarks appear to build on the rapprochement with Iran and reinforce Iranian security concerns.

Relations between Riyadh and Tehran have shown signs of continued improvement. On November 10, Saudi Arabia’s Chief of General Staff, Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, visited Tehran to meet with Iranian officials, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces. Discussions reportedly focused on enhancing defense diplomacy and fostering bilateral cooperation. Iranian state media also highlighted past engagements, including a phone call last year between Major General Bagheri and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to explore regional security and defense collaboration.

The Crown Prince’s speech and recent diplomatic moves suggest Saudi Arabia is seeking to redefine its position in the region. Whether this signals a long-term pivot or a tactical response to current tensions remains to be seen. However, Riyadh’s growing engagement with Tehran and vocal criticism of Israel mark a notable departure from its traditionally pro-Western posture. Meanwhile, escalating violence in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine continues to draw the region closer to the brink of a broader conflict.

Murder of Cardiologist Sparks Outrage Over Safety of Medical Professionals in Iran

Dr. Masoud Davoudi, a renowned cardiologist and professor at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, was fatally shot on the evening of Monday, November 11, while sitting in his car. The assailant, identified as the brother of one of Dr. Davoudi’s former patients, allegedly held him responsible for his brother’s death three years ago.

The incident traces back to 2020, when the patient suffered a fatal heart attack despite emergency efforts, including those led by Dr. Davoudi, at Sajad Hospital in Yasuj. The patient’s family accused the medical team of negligence and filed a lawsuit. However, after thorough investigation, the court cleared Dr. Davoudi of any wrongdoing. Despite the verdict, colleagues and family of the 51-year-old doctor claim the victim continued to receive threats from the patient’s brother.

Iran’s Health Minister, Dr. Mohammadreza Zafarghandi, expressed condolences and outrage over the murder on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “The health and medical staff are the backbone of our country’s health system,” he wrote. “The tragic loss of Dr. Masoud Davoudi, an esteemed cardiologist, has grieved the medical community and outraged the public. We will pursue this grievous incident as a priority.” He also thanked the judiciary and law enforcement in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province for the swift arrest of the suspect.

Dr. Davoudi’s funeral took place on November 13 in Yasuj, drawing thousands of mourners, including medical professionals, local citizens, and his grieving family. His wife and brother, speaking at the ceremony, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and highlighted Dr. Davoudi’s love for the people of Yasuj.

During the funeral, Mohammad Raeeszadeh, President of Iran’s Medical Council, condemned the violence, stating, “This tragedy does not reflect the compassionate spirit of the Lor people. No patient should be neglected as we navigate this loss.” He also criticized the rising hostility toward medical professionals, blaming media rhetoric for fostering an environment of distrust.

Following the murder, many doctors and medical staff in Yasuj hospitals and clinics staged protests, halting work to highlight what they described as a lack of safety in the workplace. They called for systemic changes to ensure better protection for healthcare professionals.

Raeeszadeh directly addressed those who have publicly criticized doctors in recent years, accusing them of contributing to a toxic environment. “Those who wield platforms irresponsibly bear some accountability for this tragedy,” he stated. “The trust between the medical community and the public must be protected.”

The killing of Dr. Davoudi has reignited debates on social media about the safety of healthcare professionals, gun control, and the handling of medical negligence cases. While some called for stricter gun regulations, others stressed the need for fair and transparent mechanisms to address malpractice allegations without endangering doctors’ lives.

The incident has highlighted broader concerns about the security of medical professionals and the pressures they face in their roles. As the medical community and public mourn the loss of Dr. Davoudi, there is a growing call for reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. Whether these demands will lead to meaningful changes remains to be seen.