The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that Tehran city officials are cutting down 70-year-old trees at night on one of the city’s main arteries, Vali Asr Avenue.

Reports indicate that pedestrians have been shocked to find stumps and other evidence of the missing trees.

HRANA quoted an anonymous source saying: “Maybe the trees are being removed at the request of businesses or residents who want an unobstructed view or space, or perhaps security forces are demanding open spaces for surveillance cameras.”

Vali Asr Avenue is considered one of Tehran’s most beautiful landmarks due to the double rows of tall trees planted every 1.5 metres all along the street’s 17.3 km stretching from south of the city up north towards the mountains.

Radio Zamaneh