Risk of Exhumation of Earthquake Victims in Bam by Opportunistic Individuals

The burial of men and women killed in the Bam earthquake, along with their belongings, jewelry, and valuable items, has increased the likelihood of exhumation in the cemeteries of Bam, Boravat, and other earthquake-affected villages by malicious and opportunistic individuals. The burial of over 30,000 victims of the Bam earthquake, due to time constraints and the absence of their relatives, was conducted with all belongings, jewelry, and items accompanying the deceased. Given the large area used for the burial of victims and the lack of walls and security fences for the cemetery, the risk of desecration and exhumation of bodies, especially the burial sites of women, and theft of jewelry, gold, and valuable items accompanying the corpses by opportunistic individuals has increased. According to statements from some officials present at the Behesht Zahra cemetery in Bam, the possibility of exhumation in the coming weeks and months is serious, and authorities must plan long-term security measures for the Bam cemetery. According to reports from the Basirat website, this problem also exists in Boravat and other earthquake-affected villages, albeit to a lesser extent.