Izeh Resident Takes Own Life After Armed Standoff with Security Forces

While many Izeh residents participated in largely peaceful demonstrations during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom unrest, a smaller group resorted to armed confrontation—among them an individual named Abul Korkor. According to human rights media outlets, Korkor died by suicide on Saturday evening, 18 Esfand (March 8), after being surrounded by the Islamic Republic’s security forces in Izeh’s Koshtegah neighborhood. Korkor, who had been in hiding for over two years, allegedly shot himself rather than surrender.

A video streamed live on his Instagram account depicts the confrontation, with Korkor firing outside and cursing the Islamic Republic. Shortly before ending his life, he declared: “There’s no way out. Goodbye, Iran.”

Iranian state media described those involved in the incident as “armed outlaws.” However, Mizan News Agency, affiliated with Iran’s judiciary, claimed that Korkor was “one of the ringleaders of the 2022 unrest in Izeh,” and had been sought by authorities ever since.

Three other individuals were reportedly with Korkor at the time of the confrontation, but their current status is unclear. The state-run Mehr News Agency, citing an unnamed source, reported that several people were arrested and may have been wounded in the clashes. Eyewitness accounts identify his companions as Reza Abdollahzadeh, Sohrab Ahmadi, and Hossein Mehri, who allegedly declared their intention to surrender before coming under fire. Moments later, a powerful explosion occurred in the house where they had taken shelter. No verified information on their condition has since emerged.

Izeh experienced deadly violence during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, during which most protests were peaceful. On 25 Aban 1401 (November 16, 2022), a fatal attack at Izeh’s bazaar claimed seven lives, including nine-year-old Kian Pirfalak. Local families blame security forces for the shooting, while the government denies any involvement.

Although the Pirfalak family has repeatedly stated that government agents fired on their vehicle, Iran’s judiciary has identified Abbas (Mojahid) Korkori as the assailant and issued a death sentence against him. Meanwhile, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have voiced concern over what they describe as an unjust trial process, including allegations of torture used to coerce false confessions.