Fars Governor Confirms One Death in Kazeroon Protest

While some sources reported at least three deaths and numerous injuries and arrests during the Kazeroon protest on Wednesday evening, the Fars governor confirmed only one death and reported ongoing "scattered clashes in some areas" of the city on Thursday morning. According to the Mehr News Agency, Ismail Tabadar, the Fars governor, stated in an interview with reporters on Thursday, May 17, regarding the casualties from the Wednesday evening protest in Kazeroon: "What is confirmed is only one death." The International Campaign for Human Rights reported, citing local media, that during this protest, "at least three civilians were killed by direct police gunfire." According to ISNA, Ismail Tabadar commented on the continuation of protests in Kazeroon, saying: "There are scattered clashes in some areas, but the situation is under control." Earlier reports indicated the nighttime arrival of additional security forces from Shiraz to Kazeroon. Although some local officials had previously supported the months-long protests of Kazeroon citizens against the new division plan of the county, the Fars governor labeled these protests as "completely illegal" and stated that the "participants" and "instigators" of this protest "are not advocates of the people of this county." Simultaneously, Asghar Masoudi, a representative from Neyriz and Estahban in the parliament, noted that "officials had promised to solve the problem" and told ILNA that the unrest "is not normal." The violent response to the Kazeroon protest has drawn reactions from various political figures and groups. Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, described the events in Kazeroon as "another crime" by the "occupier of Iran" in a Twitter message and praised the "steadfastness and bravery" of the people of this city. The National Council of Resistance, the political branch of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, also issued a statement reporting the death of "at least two protesters" and a "large number" of injured and arrested individuals. Some social media users shared images and videos claiming that following the arrest of several Kazeroon residents on Wednesday, a group of people gathered in front of the intelligence police station, but the gathering turned violent due to a police raid and gunfire. Images and reports also emerged of some protesters attacking a police station and setting it on fire. Several listeners of Radio Farda reported various contacts about the security atmosphere and the presence of agents in Kazeroon on Thursday morning. According to these listeners, mobile phones in the city are cut off, the internet is disrupted, and contact is only possible via landline. According to a plan awaiting final approval from the cabinet, several cities and districts will be separated from Kazeroon, creating a new county named "Kohchenar," derived from the two districts "Kohmareh Noudan" (renamed Qaemiyeh) and "Chenar Shahijan." Local media and critics stated that the new plan was presented by Hossein Rezazadeh, the representative of Kazeroon in parliament, who has been trying for the past two years to separate his hometown (Qaemiyeh) from Kazeroon. Social protests have intensified in various parts of Iran in recent months, and after the nationwide protests in January, several cities have witnessed gatherings for various reasons.