Iran probes slapping of provincial governor
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The new governor of a northwestern Iranian province has been slapped in the face by an angry man during his inauguration
Iran opened a criminal investigation into an assault against East Azerbaijan province's new governor, a former brigadier in the Revolutionary Guards, during his inauguration ceremony, state media reported on Saturday.
Video of the assault circulated on social media, showing a man running on stage and slapping Governor Abedin Khoram just as he was about to deliver a speech in the presence of Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi.
Stewards then threw the attacker out of the meeting hall.
During the inauguration ceremony today of the new Governor of Eastern Azarbaijan Province in NW #Iran, Governor Abedin Khoram, a former IRGC commander was attacked and slapped in the face by a lower-ranking member of the IRGC "for personal reasons" according to state-run media.😆 pic.twitter.com/VXd2BeGHvx
— Iran News Wire (@IranNW) October 23, 2021
IRNA said it was the 55-year-old's first public appearance since his appointment as governor by ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi last Sunday.
"According to some sources, the attacker was an employee of the (Guards') Ashura Corps with personal motives," it said.