(Iran, 29th) According to Iranian overseas media reports, Iranian authorities have ordered the closure of a well-known domestic coffee chain’s branch in the capital, citing the suspicion that the design of a cup’s pattern alluded to the assassination of former Supreme Leader Khamenei by the US and Israel.
The coffee chain in question is called Lamiz. Tasnim News Agency and Mehr News Agency reported that Lamiz’s branches have already been shut down and sealed off according to orders from the judiciary.
According to reports, Lamiz Coffee “recently designed a suspicious pattern targeting the martyred Imam on its products.” This refers to the former Supreme Leader Khamenei, who died on February 28 in a US and Israeli air strike. He had ruled Iran since 1989.
AFP quoted Iranian overseas Persian-language media on Saturday (March 28) as reporting that within the controversial design, Lamiz depicted an empty chair. Authorities believe this to be a reference to Khamenei’s assassination and the fact that his son, Mojtaba, has not appeared publicly since becoming the new Supreme Leader.
According to reports, Lamiz Coffee “recently designed a suspicious pattern targeting the martyred Imam on its products.” This refers to the former Supreme Leader Khamenei, who died on February 28 in a US and Israeli air strike. He had ruled Iran since 1989.
AFP quoted Iranian overseas Persian-language media on Saturday (March 28) as reporting that within the controversial design, Lamiz depicted an empty chair. Authorities believe this to be a reference to Khamenei’s assassination and the fact that his son, Mojtaba, has not appeared publicly since becoming the new Supreme Leader.
Lamiz’s official social media accounts issued a statement saying that in recent years, they have designed special edition cups to celebrate the Persian New Year in March.
Lamiz denied that the design had any political meaning. The statement reads: "These cups have no connection whatsoever to recent events. From final design approval to printing, the whole production process took several months, and all products had already been delivered to warehouses before these events occurred."
However, Lamiz’s social media accounts were also subsequently banned.
Lamiz denied that the design had any political meaning. The statement reads: "These cups have no connection whatsoever to recent events. From final design approval to printing, the whole production process took several months, and all products had already been delivered to warehouses before these events occurred."
However, Lamiz’s social media accounts were also subsequently banned.
This coffee chain has over 20 outlets in Tehran and also has branches outside the capital. Reportedly, only the branches in Tehran are affected by the authorities’ ban.
In recent years, Tehran and other major Iranian cities have seen a boom in coffee culture, with professional coffee shops springing up everywhere, serving as both gathering places and art centers.