HRANA – Following the self-immolation of Ahmad Baldi, a 20-year-old student and street vendor from Ahvaz who set himself on fire in protest against the demolition of his family’s kiosk by municipal agents, three citizens have been arrested for writing about his situation on social media.
According to a report by HRANA, at least three individuals have been detained in Ahvaz. HRANA has identified them as Hassan Salamat, Javad Saedi, and Seyed Sadegh Alboshoukeh. The reason for their arrest has been cited as posting and sharing information about Ahmad Baldi and his family’s condition online.
According to a source familiar with the matter, “A heavy security presence surrounds Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital in Ahvaz, and security agents are preventing journalists and citizens from contacting the Baladi family. Public gatherings near the hospital and online discussions about the incident have led to more arrests.”
On the morning of Sunday, November 2, municipal officers demolished the Baldi family’s kiosk in Zeytoon Park. Ahmad and his mother remained inside the kiosk to stop the demolition, but officers forcibly removed them. After the violent confrontation, Ahmad Baldi set himself on fire. His health condition remains critical.
The Ahvaz Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office issued an official statement warning that any reporting on this incident constitutes “exploiting a tragic event to sow division among ethnic groups” and announced that it would take action against those who “agitate public sentiment.”
On the evening of Thursday, November 6, following Baldi’s self-immolation, a group of citizens gathered in protest outside the hospital where he is being treated.
Local sources have reported a higher number of arrests, which HRANA is currently investigating.
