TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to Masuma Sohrabi, an Iranian woman aged in her 30s who was killed in Co Galway.
Masuma was found dead on Thursday in the grounds of Waterloo House, a hotel on the outskirts of Clifden which is currently being used as an IPAS centre.
It’s understood she died after sustaining severe neck injuries.
Her body has been conveyed to the mortuary in Galway University Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Gardaí said the results will assist in determining the course of their ongoing investigation.
A man in his 30s who was arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 is continuing to receive medical treatment.
A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned.
Masuma worked at a separate hotel in Clifden, and her two children attended Scoil Mhuire in the town. The school paid tribute to her on Thursday.
“We are writing to our school community at an incredibly sad and difficult time,” the school said in a statement.
We have become aware of the sudden and tragic passing of a member of our school family. Our hearts go out to her children, her family, and all those who loved her.
The school said the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) was onsite to support pupils and staff.
“The school will reopen as normal on Tuesday, and we look forward to welcoming all of our children back. We will be there to support every child upon their return.”
‘Heartbreaking’
Mahya Ostovar of the Iranian Diaspora Network in Ireland said that Masuma’s death is “heartbreaking” for the Iranian community, and that she is concerned for the welfare of her two small children.
She said that the Iranian community is now concerned for the welfare of Masuma’s two small children.
“Nobody knows what is going to happen to them, because these people are already in a vulnerable situation escaping to a new country, they were probably still adjusting to the situation, and now for this to happen at such an early age, it’s truly devastating,” she said.
Ostovar said that women in particular have been fleeing Iran because the situation for women there is “horrific”.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Clifden area – in particular, Galway Road – between 2pm on Wednesday and 9am on Thursday and who witnessed the incident or noticed anything suspicious to come forward.
Road users and those with camera footage, including home security and dash-cam footage, in the area at the time are also asked to make this footage available to gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
It’s understood that both the suspect and Masuma were known to each other.
Both had been availing of IPAS accommodation, but the man had been staying at a different centre to Masuma.
With reporting from Niall O’Connor