Sarah, a 50-year-old entrepreneur in Tehran, felt she had little left to lose. As the cost of living soared and freedoms seemed to vanish, she decided to join a protest in her upscale neighborhood. In a video shared with the Guardian, you could see people walking together, joyful despite the tears from teargas.
The crowd was diverse—families, older people, and men stood united. The atmosphere was peaceful until security forces arrived with rifles and opened fire on the unarmed protesters.
After this violent confrontation, Sarah sent a frantic message, repeating, “Shameless!” as she drove away, gunfire echoing in the background.
On a recent Thursday, a drastic move happened: the Iranian government cut off the internet and international calls, isolating the country from the outside world. Instead of calls for calm, officials issued threats of severe repercussions for those protesting. They blamed foreign powers for the unrest, claiming American and Israeli backing.
As protests intensified, eyewitnesses shared shocking clips. Reports surfaced of riot police storming hospitals that treated wounded demonstrators. This brutality left many in disbelief, as doctors and patients were beaten.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 538 individuals have died in the ongoing clashes, and over 10,600 arrests have been made. Amnesty International detailed incidents where demonstrators were shot with live ammunition.
Despite government officials hinting at accountability, promises fell flat. Many Iranian citizens felt anger over the state’s brutal response to protests, reminiscent of past upheavals in 2009, 2019, and 2022.
Soran, a protester from Kermanshah, expressed frustration, saying, “We’ve seen them use maximum violence during crackdowns. This time is no different. They are shooting at everyone.”
Outside Iran, activists and diaspora figures saw hope in the protests. Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, encouraged public solidarity on social media, calling for collective calls from windows and rooftops. But just as voices joined in, the authorities acted. They shut down the internet once more.
Reportedly, some individuals managed to share footage of large crowds defying government orders, with many chanting in support of Pahlavi.
On the ground, a journalist in Mashhad described horrific scenes where snipers were targeting crowds. “I fear I am about to witness a sea of dead people,” she said, just before losing connection.
Elsewhere, state media showed an air of normalcy, promoting pro-government events and depicting daily life as unaffected. But footage of fearless protesters challenging armed security forces found its way to the world, portraying a starkly contrasting reality.
The chaos left many questioning the government’s emphasis on external threats. Iranian leaders suggested that any foreign intervention would threaten their sovereignty.
As protests continued, demonstrators gathered under the cover of night, united in defiance. One protester noted a significant challenge: “With great difficulty, we managed to get online. We’re standing up for a revolution, but we need help.”
The situation remains fluid, with human rights organizations documenting civilian casualties and calling for international attention. The protests shed light on the Iranian people’s desire for change and their determination to push back against oppression.
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