Iran forces 'fire on mourners' as anti-government protests continue: report

Mourners in Iran have been shot at by security forces, according to activists, during a commemoration for an activist killed during anti-government protests.

A video shared by BBC allegedly shows Iranian militias firing on a procession marking the 40th day since Hadis Najafi, a 22-year-old TikToker, who shot dead during a demonstration in Karaj, close to Tehran.

The New Arab cannot independently verify the video.

Police blocked off the road to thousands of mourners on Thursday trying to reach the Behesht Sakineh cemetery where Najafi is buried, following a call on social media from Najafi's sister. Iranians traditionally mark the 40th day of a person's passing with a 'chehelom' ceremony.

The Instagram post was removed by Iranian intelligence and the family was warned not to make the commemoration a public event, the BBC reported.

Crowds attempted to circumvent the roadblocks leading to clashes with security forces. A video appears to show security forces firing on the convoys, while other footage showed tear gas being fired on the crowd.

Witnesses told the BBC that security fired shotguns at the crowd and one protester was allegedly stabbed with a machete.

"People are chanting 'death to the dictator' on the main street. They have fired tear gas. It has spread into the neighbourhood. My throat is burning," one witness told BBC Persian.

"I tried to record a video from the window, but they are firing shots... I am scared. We have closed the curtains."

Iran claims that a government militia fighter was stabbed to death by "rioters" and injured 10 police officers but this was rejected by activists.

Anti-government protests have torn through Iran following the death in police custody in September of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, which have demanded an end to the country's government.

Police reportedly also fired on mourners during Amini's 40th-day commemoration last week.

A Norway-based Iranian activist group claims 277 people, including 40 children and 24 women, have been killed in a crackdown by security forces.