Prominent Iranian filmmaker commits suicide at 74

A popular and highly respected Iranian film director, Kyumars Pour-Ahmad, 74, has tragically taken his own life, Report informs, citing Iran International.

The news comes amid reports of the cultural icon’s sense of hopelessness in the face of the country’s dire political and economic situation having led to his death.

Pour-Ahmad had described the popular protests that started last September as “bloody and painful” and wrote: “With all the scorching we have on our souls, what festival, what festivity?”

Initially, reports had claimed Pour-Ahmad died of heart failure, but the Iranian magazine, Today’s Film, reported that he ended his life because of “depression, despair, the feeling of uselessness and lack of hope in future. Simply so terrible, unbelievable, horrible and shocking,” citing sources close to the star.

Some have already labeled Pour-Ahmad’s death as “government murder” with tributes pouring in from around the world.

Journalist Noushabeh Amiri, who is now in Europe, tweeted: “Pour-Ahmad was killed by the filthy Islamic Republic, yes, killed.”