Increase in Official Statistics of Casualties from Chaharshanbe Suri; Dozens Killed and Injured

News sources in Iran report at least 14 deaths and over 1,700 injuries related to Chaharshanbe Suri from the beginning of Esfand until 10 PM on Tuesday, March 13. According to the head of the country's emergency services, incidents this year have seen a 24% increase compared to last year. Jafar Miadfar emphasized that 90% of the injured are men and 10% are women. Based on these statistics, 67% of the injured are under 17 years old. According to this official, as of 10 PM on Tuesday, the injuries from this year's celebrations include 114 cases of amputations, 573 cases of eye injuries, and 594 cases of burns. Although the full statistics of the casualties from Chaharshanbe Suri have not yet been released, the forensic medical organization reported that last year during Chaharshanbe Suri, 28 people, including 20 men and 8 women, were killed in related incidents. Chaharshanbe Suri is a national ceremony in Iran that the Islamic Republic has tried to diminish and eliminate from ancient Iranian rituals. In this context, the government news agency 'Borna' published the views of religious authorities, including Ali Khamenei, declaring the ceremony 'un-Islamic' and 'invalid.' This news agency reported yesterday that Khamenei responded to a question regarding the ruling on Chaharshanbe Suri, stating: 'Chaharshanbe Suri has no religious basis, and if it entails harm and corruption or promotes false beliefs, it is not permissible.' The website also quoted Naser Makarem Shirazi stating: 'Chaharshanbe Suri is superstition, and if certain actions cause harm and distress to others, they are forbidden.' The opinion of Safi Golpayegani was also reflected: 'Terrifying and disturbing believers in any way is forbidden.' Ahmad Khatami, one of the temporary Friday prayer leaders in Tehran, also stated last year that 'Chaharshanbe Suri' is an 'irrational' act and we should pursue 'Islamic Nowruz.' The Islamic Republic's approach to eliminate this ancient tradition has led a significant portion of society to pursue this day and night with greater motivation. The restrictions and security measures imposed by the Islamic Republic to limit society have, in practice, turned this beautiful tradition, which is an opportunity for joy and family gatherings, into a 'battlefield' where every year explosions of fireworks kill dozens. Yesterday, coinciding with the celebration of Chaharshanbe Suri by Iranians inside and outside the country, Prince Reza Pahlavi honored the memory of the 'immortal heroes of the homeland' in a message, the U.S. government congratulated the arrival of this night, and a political prisoner sent a message to VOA emphasizing that the Iranian people will triumph over tyranny and inefficiency through solidarity. Chaharshanbe Suri is one of the ancient celebrations of Iranians, marked by lighting fires accompanied by dancing and joy on the evening before the last Wednesday of the solar year, welcoming Nowruz and celebrating the arrival of spring. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran, especially in recent years, Chaharshanbe Suri has also become an occasion for protest.