An Interview with the sister of one of those who were killed on June 2oth:

Ashkaan said, “I’ll go and come back.”

June 30^th, 2009

www.roozonline.com (Parastoo Sepehri): Ashkaan Sohrabi was an 18-year-old who was shot and killed on June 20^th. His residential location was around the intersection of Roudaki and Salsabil, where he was martyred. After a lot of efforts, I managed to find Ashkaan’s sister, Elham Sohrabi, to have a conversation.  Elham, 29, bereaved by the loss of her brother, talks.

Please accept my condolences. Before anything else, please tell me what emotional state your family members are in.

Thank you. Sadly, what happened to Ashakaan brought deep grief to our family. We are still in shock and dazed, and haven’t accepted his not being among us yet. My father is in a terrible state, and my mother is extremely restless. My mother has a heart problem and cannot tolerate this situation.

Tell us about Ashkaan.

He was my younger brother, born in 1989, very smart and talented in sports and his school subjects, and very kind and compassionate. All these adjectives that I attribute to him are things he was know by to everybody, and they would certainly confirm them. His playfulness was sweet to all. He always tried to keep everyone happy, and despite his young age, he always made wise decisions.

What kind of sports did he play?

For years, he practiced Taekwondo. He had a black belt in it, and had won in so many championship contests. He was very serious and diligent in his affairs.

Where were you on the day this happened?

I was home with my mother. He had just returned from the Taekwondo club. He told us that people were protesting on the streets and everywhere things were on fire. He told us that he had trouble getting back home and that the special Guard forces had blocked all the streets and were trying to make people disperse. My mother wanted me to keep Ashkaan from going back to the streets. I did all I could to take his attention away from what was happening on the streets, but the commotion on the streets was getting worse  every moment. People were seeking refuge in homes and the alleys. We heard different slogans, the sound of gunshots and the smell of tear gas was everywhere. I asked Ashkaan not to go on the street. But he said his last words and got out of the house: “Don’t worry, I’ll come back.”

So, this was the last moments with Ashkaan.

Yes, the last time I saw him was when he left the house.

When was he killed?  Or when was he martyred?

I don’t know exactly. But after two hours we had the news that he was killed.

Which part of his body was hit by the bullet?

They had shot three bullets in our Ashakaan’s chest.

Who shot Ashkaan?

I don’t know.

Did you see anyone shooting at him ?

I didn’t see the person who shot him, but there were no guns in people’s hands; they were just throwing stones.

Who gave you the news of his death?

His friends. They were with him. They came and said that Ashkaan was injured and taken to the hospital .

Which hospital?

Rasoole Akram hospital .

Do you know the story of what happened between the time he was shot and his death?

The doctor in charge said that he died right after he was shot.

Did you get his body easily?

It’s better not to talk about this issue. I’m still not aware of what happened.

Was there any problem in his memorial service?

No.

Were the security forces present in his memorial service?

Yes. Two police cars.

Where is Ashkaan buried ?

We let his body rest in section 257 of Beheshte Zahra, row 50 # 19.