Rooz: Tell us about Ashkan.

Elham Sohrabi (Sohrabi): He was my younger brother, born in 1989, very smart and full of potential for education and sports.  He was extremely kind and compassionate.  Despite his young age, he made very wise decisions.

 

Rooz: Where were you on the day of the event?

Sohrabi:  My mother and I were at our house.  Ashkan had just returned from the gym.  He told us people were protesting on the streets and that fires were burning everywhere.  He said he had trouble getting home as anti-riot guards had closed off all surrounding streets and were dispersing people.  My mother asked me not to let Ashkan return to the streets.  I tried my best to distract Ashkan with things other than the street, but the crowds on our streets (Azadi) continued to get bigger.  People sought refuge in alleys and homes.  We heard different chants and the sound of bullets and smell of tear gas were everywhere.  I asked Ashkan not to go to the street.  But he said his last words to me and left the house: "Don't worry, I'll come back."

 

Rooz:  And that is the last time you saw Ashkan?

Sohrabi:  Yes.  The last time I saw him was when he left the house. 

Rooz:   When was he martyred? 

Sohrabi:  I don't exactly know, but two hours later they brought the news of his death to us.

 

Rooz:  Where was he shot?

Sohrabi:  They had shot our Ashkan three times in the chest. 

 

Rooz:  Who was shooting at Ashkan?

Sohrabi:  I did not see Ashkan's killer but the protesters didn't have any weapons.  They just threw rocks.

 

Rooz:  Were you easily able to retrieve Ashkan's body from the hospital?

Sohrabi:  It's better not to talk about that. 

 

Rooz:  Were security forces present at the memorial service?

Sohrabi:  Yes, two police cars [were there].