Clashes between the Iranian security forces and Ahwazi Arab fans

 

The Iranian security forces clashed with the Ahwazi Arab fans following the football match of Saudi Al-hilal against Foolad Ahwaz (Khuzestan) on Tuesday 17th March 2015. Sources from Ahwaz confirmed that the Iranian security forces arrested

hundreds and injured tens of fans who were wearing traditional Arab dress. The regime was in fear of Arabs and attempted to hide their Arab identity when the media that came with the Saudi team wanted to cover the news.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J2Lkg0lkEo

The Arab fans attacked the security vehicles when the forces arrested hundreds of their friends and tried to stop taking them for interrogation.

Some witnesses said the demonstrators unfurled the Ahwazi flag in the Ghadir stadium and sloganed "Welcome to the Arab land ", sparking the ire of Iranian security forces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHopKI7aEBI&feature=youtu.be

The Iranian regime calls the football team "Foolad Khuzestan" while native Arabs call it “Foolad Ahwaz” and became as national symbol for the Ahwazi Arabs.

Tens of security forces and vehicles surrounded the stadium hours before the match started and many CCTV’s were operating to capture fans who wear traditional Arab dress or slogan in Arabic.

Meanwhile the Iranian Intelligence Services arrested two Ahwazi Arab bloggers, Shahab Mosawi and Majid Kaabi and were taken to unknown places. The Iranian regime fears that the bloggers would make news coverage of the clashes.

The clashes occurred few days after an Ahwazi Arab young man, Younes Asakereh, 34, from Mohammarah, set himself alight when the security forces confiscated his kiosk on Saturday 14th March.

 

By

Amir Saedi