Local officials said that one protester was killed and four others including a police officer were injured on Saturday during a demonstration-turned-riot at the Iranian Consulate in Herat province. Dozens of Afghans gathered outside the Consulate to protest its visa process for entering Iran.
The protestors accused the Iranian Consulate officials of corruption in the visa process. Chanting "death to Iran," within moments the peaceful protest turned violent. The security forces shot dead one protester and injured three others. One police officer was also injured in the clash.
According to reports, the Consulate building was badly damaged in the clash though no employees were injured.
"The incident took place at around 9:00am and continued until 11:00am. A dozen Afghans first gathered and protested in front of the Herat Governor's office, later, they attacked the Consulate," said Abdul Hamid Hamidi, Chief of the Herat Provincial Police.
Officials at the Iranian Consulate or Tehran have not yet commented on the incident.