Ahvaz Erupts in Outrage After Young Man Self-Immolates Following Forced Demolition of Family Kiosk

Iranian authorities have detained five individuals including the district mayor and the head of municipal enforcement after a 20-year-old man set himself on fire in protest against the demolition of his family’s kiosk in Ahvaz, according to state media.

The victim, Ahmad Baledi, a university student, suffered severe burns after dousing himself with gasoline and lighting himself ablaze in front of municipal officers. Witnesses say the kiosk was his family’s only source of income.

The demolition took place without prior notice. According to the Karun Human Rights Group, municipal workers and police arrived suddenly and forcibly removed Baledi’s wife, while a municipal deputy “behaved violently.”

Ahvaz Prosecutor Amir Khalafian criticized the municipality’s actions and confirmed that they violated judicial procedures:

“The municipality did not act according to the judicial order in this case.”

Khalafian said both the district mayor and the municipal enforcement chief were released on bail but suspended from their positions pending further investigation. Arrest warrants were also issued for three additional individuals. Authorities admitted that several others were detained for sharing information or expressing criticism on social media, though they offered no details.

Residents who witnessed the scene say some officers stood by and watched as Ahmad set himself on fire, making no effort to stop him.

The incident has intensified public indignation in Ahvaz, a region already struggling with unemployment, poverty, and economic marginalization. Across Iran, soaring inflation and joblessness have forced many families into street vending and informal work for survival.

Baledi’s act echoes that of Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi, whose self-immolation in 2011 sparked the Arab Spring. Iran is still grappling with the aftermath of nationwide protests in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody.

Residents fear this incident could become another catalyst for broader unrest unless accountability and justice follow.