Ali Zargami, a 53-year-old kolbar, was killed by direct gunfire from armed agents of the Islamic Republic. According to the human rights organization "Hangaw", Mr. Zargami, who lived in Saqqez, was shot while carrying goods at the "Mishaw" border in the "Sershiv" area of Saqqez alongside other kolbars on the morning of Sunday, March 4. The report states that border agents shot him in the leg, leading to his death. Kolbarnews also published an image of the lifeless body of this kolbar surrounded by other kolbars, with one of Mr. Zargami's legs covered in blood. Meanwhile, Hangaw reported on Thursday, March 2, that at least four kolbars and traders were killed and 63 others injured along the borders of Kurdish areas in Iran during February (January 31 to March 2). Furthermore, Hangaw noted that 67 kolbars were killed or injured in one month. According to the organization's report, 85% of these cases were due to direct gunfire from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic, with this statistic showing an increase of 17 cases, or 34%, compared to the previous month. Among these kolbars, at least two children were injured by direct gunfire from the border forces in the Baneh area. Statistics indicate that 36 kolbars were injured at the borders of Kermanshah province. Reports also show that at least 20 Kurdish kolbars were injured on the evening of March 1 due to gunfire from border agents in the Nowsud border area in Kermanshah province. According to statistics published on the Kolbar News website, in 2023, a total of 299 kolbars were killed or injured in border areas and roads of the provinces of West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, and Kermanshah due to factors such as direct military gunfire, avalanches, frostbite, stepping on mines, and falling from heights. At least 20 kolbars were injured on "Saturday evening" due to gunfire from Islamic Republic agents. The injuries of three kolbars in western Iran continue to highlight painful encounters with kolbars. Another kolbar in Kurdistan was shot, a 20-year-old was killed by direct gunfire. Islamic Republic border forces shot at them from close range after detaining two kolbars. A young kolbar died due to frostbite. Hangaw reports that 50 kolbars were killed or injured in Iran within one month. Sadegh Mirzaei, a 40-year-old kolbar, was killed by gunfire from Islamic Republic border agents. The situation remains dire for kolbars, with 17 kolbars killed or injured within 15 days. Another report on the status of kolbars in Iran indicates that 299 people were killed or injured in 2023. Kolbars and fuel carriers remain under fire from Islamic Republic agents, with several more killed or injured.
Deadly Shooting of Another Kolbar in Saqqez; Ali Zargami Had Three Children
Ali Zargami, a 53-year-old kolbar, was shot and killed by Iranian border guards while carrying goods at the Mishaw border. His death is part of a troubling trend, with numerous kolbars being killed or injured by state forces, highlighting ongoing human rights abuses in the region. This incident raises concerns about the safety and treatment of marginalized communities in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Ali Zargami, a 53-year-old kolbar, was shot and killed by Iranian border guards while carrying goods at the Mishaw border. His death is part of a disturbing trend of violence against kolbars by state forces.
- At least 299 kolbars were killed or injured in 2023 due to various causes, primarily gunfire from border forces.
- 85% of reported incidents involving kolbars were due to direct gunfire from Iranian armed forces.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Kolbars are individuals who carry goods across the Iranian borders, often facing extreme risks from both natural hazards and state violence. The Kurdish regions of Iran are particularly affected by economic deprivation and heavy-handed security measures.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 90%