Anti-government protests in Iran, first sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody for covering her head with an “inappropriate” veil, have now turned into anger over emerging poverty, emerging unemployment and crushing sanctions.
The actual numbers on the number of others injured and killed in the protests are unclear, but the number is rising. Iranian state media reported that at least 26 other people were killed, adding protesters and security officials. Iran’s Oslo-based Human Rights Organization said at least 31 protesters were killed and an unknown number arrested.
In Tehran, protesters chanted “death to Khamenei” and “death to the dictator,” referring to the country’s ideal leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 83. Crowds of protesters pushed back Iranian security forces, known as “basij,” with videos shared on social media showing uniformed men fleeing to applause.
Other videos showed a bloodied commander and the bloodied body of a police officer from an upside-down car window. Protesters also set fire to two police stations in the capital, according to local reports, and Tehran’s mayor accused them of destroying the city’s public transport. and chimney trucks.
“These protests reflect a 40-year struggle by Iranians to defend themselves against a repressive political formula, a formula that gives them no voice or opportunity,” said Dr. Sanam Vakil, an expert on Middle East politics and Iran specialist at Chatham House in London. “They need to feel, Iranians, that they are part of a foreign community, and that they are fighting for very fundamental rights, decency and respect. “
Last week, officials under Iran’s strict Islamic dress code arrested Mahsa Amini, 22, a circle of relatives who was stopping over in the capital, Tehran. . “
After 3 days, he died in custody, and authorities claimed he had suffered a central attack. Her circle of family and critics beat her after a symbol emerged from her bruised, bloodied and intubated body.
When new protests erupted, Iran’s Intelligence Ministry warned citizens who opposed participating, saying those stuck in the protests would be prosecuted.
“Given the exploitation of incidents through opposition groups, any presence and participation in illegal gatherings will lead to prosecution on the basis of the Islamic Penal Code,” the ministry said, according to the state-affiliated Nour news agency.
“We warn the instigators that their dream of destroying the values of the Islamic Republic will never come true. “
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other governments, issued two expired statements Thursday. One condemned the protests as a conspiracy organized through Iran’s enemies. The other announced that a pro-government demonstration would be held. after Friday prayers in Tehran.
Internet in Tehran and other parts of the country has slowed or shut down. This week saw the leaked of services such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Google Play, which joined Telegram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, which have been leaked for years.
As the protests continue, there are fears of repression soon.
“I expect that in the coming days. The repressive arm of the state will come out strong,” said Vakil of Chatham House.
“They have the police and the IRGC on the streets,” Vakil said. “They slow down the web to prevent other people from coordinating. And in the past, they absolutely shut down the web to absolutely isolate Iran from the foreign network and look inside us. And it is very possible that it will go ahead and unleash a whole repressive attack. “