In demonstration and clashes in Piranshahr, a child (aged 7) was killed, 9 students wounded

A 7-year-old child was killed and many people were wounded when revolutionary Guards opened fire at protesters in Piranshahr on Wednesday, October 28, reports from Iran say. The protest erupted when Arsalan Ghorbani, 20, was shot dead by members of the State Security Force at a check point. Chanting anti-government slogans, more than 3,000 angry demonstrators marched toward the headquarters of the State Security Force and continued on to the GovernorÕs Office, where they damaged parts of the building, shattered all windows, and set fire to 14 vehicles belonging to the State Security Force and the GovernorÕs Office.

The Governor who tried to calm and silence the protesters with hollow promises, was beaten up by the people. The protesters controlled the city for several hours.

The State Security Force of Piranshahr, commanded by Col. Moussavi, failed to quell the protest. The Guards Corps intervened, opening fire on the protesters. They arrested dozens of people as Òinstigators.Ó Terrified city officials sought refuge in the Guards Corps headquarters.

Students played a very active role in this demonstration and at least nine were wounded.

The Intelligence Department of Piranshahr cut off all telephone communication to prevent the news of the riots from spreading to other cities. Presently, the Guards Corps forces are stationed throughout the city and a de facto martial law is in force.

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
October 31, 1998

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