Iran: Deadly Shooting of Civilians by Basij Sparks Outrage and Protests | WATCH
Two young Iranian men were fatally shot by the Basij in what authorities call a mistake — but mass funerals have turned into anti-regime protests, further exposing the Islamic Republic’s growing crisis of legitimacy.
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A volatile incident in Iran has ignited widespread anger, with mass funerals and protests erupting after two young men were killed by the Basij, a paramilitary arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in what appears to be a tragic case of mistaken identity. The shooting, which occurred two days ago in the Gengnameh region near Hamadan, has exposed deep tensions between Iran’s repressive regime and its citizens, with accusations of a cover-up fueling public outrage.
The victims, Mahdi Abayi and Alireza Karbasi, both young men from Hamadan, were on a hiking trip with a third friend when they were intercepted by a Basij patrol. According to reports circulating on social media and opposition channels, the group was questioned aggressively about their activities, with the Basij accusing them of spying for Israel. The interrogation escalated into a verbal confrontation, culminating in the Basij firing a volley of bullets at the trio. Abayi and Karbasi were killed instantly, while their friend, wounded in the leg, is now hospitalized at Athar Hospital in Hamadan.
The Basij, a civilian-religious militia under the Revolutionary Guards, is notorious for its role in suppressing dissent, enforcing strict moral codes such as hijab compliance, and monitoring communities. Operating with broad impunity, the force is a central pillar of the regime’s control over Iranian society. The killing of unarmed civilians by Basij members has sparked accusations of excessive force and systemic brutality.
In an apparent attempt to deflect blame, the regime has claimed the incident was triggered by the presence of a drone in the area, which allegedly prompted security forces to respond to a “suspicious” vehicle. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, with many Iranians viewing it as a flimsy attempt to cover up the Basij’s actions.
The deaths have galvanized public response, with mass funerals for Abayi and Karbasi drawing large crowds in Hamadan. Mourners have reportedly turned these gatherings into anti-regime protests, with chants condemning the government echoing through the streets. The incident’s sensitivity, even for Iran’s tightly controlled regime could further erode public trust in the authorities.
As outrage spreads, activists and citizens are demanding accountability for the killings, though the Basij’s immunity from prosecution poses a significant barrier. The incident adds to growing discontent in Iran, where economic hardship and political repression have already fueled unrest in recent years. Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the protests, and the situation remains volatile as the nation watches closely.