Escalating Unrest in Iran: Protests Triggered by Economic Woes Lead to Fatalities
In Iran, a wave of protests triggered by the country’s economic downturn has resulted in the deaths of approximately three dozen individuals, including minors, as reported by human rights organizations. The protests, which have persisted for over a week, stem from deep-seated economic grievances.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency has confirmed that 36 individuals have died, with two of these fatalities being linked to security forces. The remaining deaths are attributed to demonstrators.
According to HRANA, these demonstrations have spread to at least 285 sites across 92 cities and 27 provinces, resulting in over 2,076 arrests. A significant number of protestors have sustained injuries during the clashes.
BBC Persian has verified the identities of 20 deceased individuals. They also shared footage depicting security forces deploying tear gas against protestors.
The Guardian revealed that at least three minors were among the fatalities, based on data from the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights. This organization also disclosed that over 40 minors have been detained.
Among the young demonstrators killed was 15-year-old Mostafa Falahi from Azna, as reported by human rights groups. Additionally, 17-year-old Rasul Kadivarian and his 20-year-old brother Reza suffered fatal injuries in Kermanshah after security forces opened fire on protesters.
The Guardian further reported the death of an unnamed 17-year-old in Qom, which human rights groups have confirmed despite the lack of official identification.
An anonymous observer from Malekshahi recounted to The Guardian that demonstrators began chanting anti-government slogans and calling for the release of detained protestors over the weekend. “We then gathered in front of a government building. That was when the forces opened fire on us. It felt as if they were shooting at enemies or armed groups. I felt like I was in a war zone. I saw several people injured, and I believe some were killed on the spot. We tried to take the wounded to hospitals and prevent government forces from arresting injured protesters,” the witness described.
The demonstrations erupted across Iran, originating in Tehran due to the devaluation of the national currency and surging inflation. These protests have expanded to university campuses and prompted merchants to close their businesses.
This unrest marks the most significant wave of protests since the 2022 demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died after being detained by the morality police for improper hijab wear. Her death ignited protests that were quelled by the regime through force and mass arrests.
In his first public response to the protests, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the situation on state television, as reported by The Associated Press. “We talk to protesters, the officials must talk to them,” he said. “But there is no benefit to talking to rioters. Rioters must be put in their place.”
Khamenei attributed the collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, to foreign adversaries, specifically naming the United States and Israel as instigators of the protests. “A bunch of people incited or hired by the enemy are getting behind the tradesmen and shopkeepers and chanting slogans against Islam, Iran and the Islamic Republic,” he asserted. “This is what matters most.”
As The Guardian reported, Iran’s economy has been in turmoil, reaching a “breaking point” after the rial’s value plummeted by more than 56% in six months, exacerbating food price inflation by 72% compared to the previous year.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
