Iran says Neda Killing Case of 'Mistaken Identity'

by Blue Crush | June 24, 2009 at 12:52 pm

1674 views | 91 Recommendations | 17 comments

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Neda Agha-Soltani's Death Sows Seeds of Revolution | Photo 02

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The killing of Neda Agha-Soltan this past week, which was captured on video, has caused shock and outrage throughout the world. Neda means "voice" or "calling" in Persian, and she's now become the "voice of Iran," and a symbol of the revolution now taking place.

The Islamic Republic News Agency is now saying her killing may be a case of "mistaken identity."

Iran said the gunman who killed Neda Agha-Soltan may have mistaken her for the sister of an Iranian "terrorist," the Islamic Republic News Agency reported Wednesday.

Iran blamed the death of the woman known to the world simply as Neda squarely on "those groups who want to create division in the nation," saying they planned the woman's killing "to accuse the Islamic republic of ruthlessly dealing with the opposition," according to IRNA, Iran's state-run news agency.

The report said the investigation into her death is ongoing, "but according to the evidence so far, it could be said that she was killed by mistake. The marksmen had mistaken her for the sister of one of the Monafeghin who had been executed in the province of Mazandaran some time ago."

The Iranian government is now trying to minimize the impact of her death, by banning mourning cermonies at local mosques and uprooting her family from their home.

In accordance with Persian tradition, the family had put up a mourning announcement and attached a black banner to the building.
But the police took them down, refusing to allow the family to show any signs of mourning. The next day they were ordered to move out. Since then, neighbours have received suspicious calls warning them not to discuss her death with anyone and not to make any protest.

Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian human rights lawyer is prepared to take on the case on her family's behalf.

"I am personally prepared to legally represent her family against the people who ordered the shooting and those who fired at her. "This act was against the law.

"Neda had not participated in the rally but, even if she had, they did not have the right to shoot her."

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Amy Judd

at 14:03 on June 24th, 2009

I'll bet they're scrambling to do anything they can to suppress this, however it's way too late for them

Rhonda J Mangus

at 15:38 on June 24th, 2009

Thanks for this, Blue Crush. I agree with Amy, it is far too late.

René

at 15:54 on June 24th, 2009

So what? Why should the sister of an Iranian anyone be targeted? Now they are calling the protesters terrorists.

Well, I guess they are. Terrorizing the regime, that is. They can see the writing on the wall.

Hey, didn't that saying come from that area?

Blue Crush

at 19:44 on June 24th, 2009

That's what I was thinking ... that would make it justifiable? And they're calling everyone among the protesters terrorists anyway.

Maireid Sullivan

at 04:39 on June 26th, 2009

Indeed it did, René,

albertacowpoke

at 18:01 on June 24th, 2009

They're sorry that this story came out. They didn't account for modern technology.

Pythiian1

at 18:25 on June 24th, 2009

In light of the importance of martyrdom in Shia Islam, the government has to do everything in its power to suppress or revise the sequence of events in order to remove Neda symbolic role for Iranians, dissidents or not.

Paschen

at 19:03 on June 24th, 2009

Sad, I saw the Interview with her Fiancé. They where stopping because of the traffic jam and the heat.

Blue Crush

at 19:47 on June 24th, 2009

This YouTube video has the interview with her financé translated in the right column.

Spydermonkey

at 19:51 on June 24th, 2009

Is this the match that lights a fire?

And what kind of fire will it be?

lucknawab

at 20:44 on June 24th, 2009

Dear writer,

The Islamic Republic News Agency website is not online. who informed you that The Islamic Republic News Agency

This second round of fake news when public confirmed that circulated video was hoax.

Fov

at 21:00 on June 24th, 2009

Outrage!

Totally seems what happened in 1989,beijing.

duo

at 23:46 on June 24th, 2009

Such a lovely young woman. This is tragic.

Thanks, Blue Crush. That is a nice photo spread

MilleDrive (not verified)

at 06:06 on June 25th, 2009

Tragic indeed. May she rest in peace.

Peggie Johnson (not verified)

at 07:45 on June 25th, 2009

Well, it took the government of Iran long enough to think up that excuse. I am an American and I will grieve for this beautiful woman of courage. Not only is she a martyr for her people but an example for any freedom loving nation. My sympathies to her family.

Ishnum Munshi (not verified)

at 13:19 on July 6th, 2009

When I heard about the story I was immediately moved to write a song about the personal tragedy and what it seemed to symbolize. It just makes you think would you love your country enough to go and be part of a demonstration - or even just witness it ? Or would you just stay cowering in your house listening to noises outside?
Isn't it love of your country to stand up and take to the streets to see positive change in progress? Wouldn't you be ashamed if years on your grandchildren asked you what you did that historic day and you said "nothing - the authorities told us to stay at home?"
My song's on youtube: "One Lost Vote"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYiMxBaUXtk