Reports of IRGC Shooting at a Citizen with Intellectual Disability; Ferdin Jafari's Condition is 'Critical'

The Kurdistan Human Rights Network announced that Ferdin Jafari, a Kurdish citizen with an intellectual disability, who was shot by IRGC snipers near the 'Aichi Cemetery' in Saqqez on Saturday, is in critical condition. According to the report, the bullet struck the left temporal region of the 27-year-old's head, causing skull fractures and brain tissue damage, and he is currently in a critical state with a consciousness level of 3. The human rights organization reported that Iranian government agencies have threatened the victim's family not to disclose information about their child's condition. Furthermore, the Hengaw human rights organization quoted a relative of Ferdin Jafari's family, stating that they are under pressure to blame Iranian Kurdish parties for the attack. Reports indicate that this young man, who has an intellectual disability and is from the village of Mamesha (Islamabad), was shot while returning from daily shopping in Saqqez on his way back to the village. The IRGC claimed that Mr. Jafari was targeted for 'entering a prohibited area.' Hengaw added in its report, citing 'informed sources,' that Ferdin Jafari is 'mentally disabled and falls under the definition of persons with special needs.' He was a construction worker and, upon seeing security forces and feeling fear and anxiety, began to run, which immediately led to him being shot by the IRGC personnel. On the first anniversary of the killing of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, Iranian government forces militarized the cities and arrested dozens of citizens across Iran. The United States and its allies, while commemorating Mahsa and all victims of four decades of repression by the Islamic Republic, imposed a new round of sanctions against officials and institutions responsible for the repression of Iranian citizens, continuing their support for the right to freedom of expression and assembly. Conflicting reports emerged about the death of a protester in Saqqez due to gunfire from government agents. On the anniversary of Mahsa; direct shooting at a citizen and the arrest of dozens more. Dozens arrested across Iran on the anniversary of Mahsa; agents attacked 'protesters in Hamadan' on Sunday. Anniversary of Mahsa; strikes by merchants in cities of at least three provinces.