Recent protests in Iran have been met with a violent crackdown by authorities, resulting in a significant number of deaths and widespread fear. Testimonies from individuals who witnessed the events paint a harrowing picture of the unrest and its aftermath.
A Witness to Violence
On January 10th, a man named Kiarash witnessed a shooter, disguised in a large chador, open fire on protestors in Tehran. He narrowly escaped with his life, stating that a slight turn of his head would have been fatal. “I heard pop pop (…) and I saw with my own eyes three people fall at the same time,” Kiarash, 44, recounted to AFP from Germany, where he currently resides.
The scene was deeply traumatic for Kiarash, who described it as a recurring nightmare. He participated in the demonstration after visiting a morgue in southern Tehran and witnessing the grim reality of the escalating violence – a friend had been killed by gunfire.
Scale of the Repression
At the Behesht-e Zahrah cemetery, Kiarash observed a scene of overwhelming grief and loss. He reported seeing “more than 1,500, up to 2,500 [dead] in just one warehouse” as families prepared bodies for rapid burial, a practice dictated by Islamic tradition. Amidst the mourning, protestors chanted slogans both honoring the deceased and condemning Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Authorities responded to the protests by imposing a nationwide internet blackout on January 8th, effectively silencing the flow of information and hindering the ability of protestors to organize. This action also obscured the extent of the government’s response.
In the northern city of Amol, residents were urged to donate blood to treat the numerous wounded, many of whom had sustained gunshot wounds to the feet.
Estimates of Casualties and Ongoing Concerns
With limited access to information due to the internet shutdown, determining the true scale of the casualties has proven difficult. Iran Human Rights (IHR), based in Norway, has verified at least 3,428 deaths of protestors at the hands of security forces, but believes the actual number is likely much higher. Other estimates range as high as 20,000, though independent verification remains challenging.
IHR has reported receiving “horrible direct testimonies” detailing protestors being shot while attempting to flee, the use of military-grade weapons, and even executions in the streets. Those who have managed to leave the country report a climate of fear and uncertainty. One individual, Kaveh, described Tehran as feeling like a “war zone” during the week of the protests.
Communication with those still in Iran has been fraught with difficulty, with phone lines initially cut and then restored with limitations. Many are resorting to indirect methods of contact, fearing surveillance and retribution.
What Happens Next?
While the immediate intensity of the protests appears to have subsided, the underlying grievances that fueled them remain. It is possible that further demonstrations could erupt in the future, though they may face even more severe repression. The Iranian government is likely to continue its efforts to control the flow of information and suppress dissent. The long-term impact of this period of unrest on the political landscape of Iran remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the protests in Iran?
The protests were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, after being detained by the morality police for allegedly violating dress code rules. However, the protests quickly broadened to encompass wider grievances related to economic hardship, political repression, and social restrictions.
What actions did the Iranian government take to suppress the protests?
The Iranian government imposed a nationwide internet blackout, deployed security forces to quell demonstrations, and reportedly used lethal force against protestors. Authorities also arrested thousands of individuals suspected of participating in the unrest.
What is the current status of internet access in Iran?
While international phone lines were briefly restored, access to the internet remains restricted in Iran. The government implemented a nationwide blackout in an attempt to control the flow of information and suppress dissent.
Given the ongoing restrictions on information and the potential for further unrest, what role will the international community play in monitoring the situation in Iran?
