TEHRAN (MNA) -- The gravestone of contemporary poet Ahmad Shamlu at the Imamzadeh Taher in Karaj was seriously damaged on Friday night.

Shamlu’s son Siavosh said that he has had to replace the gravestone four times over the past five years due to vandalism, and each time the destruction happens around the time of the Iranian New Year, which begins on the first day of spring.

“Two nights ago, some slight damage was done, and the guard of the Imamzadeh stated he was unaware of the action and promised to help stop such deeds in the future. But then again, last night it was seriously damaged and a piece of stone bearing the signature of the poet is missing now,” he explained.

Ahmad Shamlu was born on December 12, 1925, in Tehran. He released his first collection of poems, “The Forgotten Songs”, when he was 22.

He died on July 23, 2000. He wrote a number of poetry collections as well as several collections of short stories.