Three municipal officials dismissed in Iran after woman dies in home demolition protest

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iranian authorities have dismissed three municipal officials in Kermanshah city following the death of an elderly woman who protested the demolition of her house by municipal workers last week.

Kermanshah Mayor Saeed Toloui told the state-owned IRNA news outlet on Saturday that three local officials have been dismissed in relation to the incident. 

“This morning, the head of the executive department and his deputy, as well as the legal affairs officer of the municipality of the third district were fired,” he said.

He added that they also plan to temporarily suspend the district mayor.

Outrage erupted on social media after the death of Asiyeh Panahi, 58, on May 19 as she protested the demolition of her home. 

Footage published online appeared to show the woman sitting in a bucket of demolition equipment as workers were preparing to demolish her home. Riot police were deployed to the scene, and a relative accused local authorities of beating Pahani and members of her family before demolishing the building.

Pahani’s family said she died from her wounds – a claim disputed by Iranian authorities, who said she died after receiving medical attention for nausea.

Gholamreza Shahbazi, the head of Kermanshah municipality’s enforcement section denied any brutality, saying “This person was not beaten up by the officers of the municipality in any way.” He also committed to investigating the incident and finding those responsible.