While there has been a disparity in numbers, according to Iranian authorities around 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested so far in what many are describing as a brutal crackdown.
While there has been a disparity in numbers, according to Iranian authorities around 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested so far in what many are describing as a brutal crackdown.
At least 106 protesters have been killed by governmental forces across Iran since demonstrations began a few days ago over rising fuel prices – with human rights groups calling for an end to the Iranian government’s brutal crackdown on demonstrators. Demonstrations have erupted across 21 provinces in Iran, with the most deaths happening in Kermanshah and Khuzestan provinces.
Amnesty International has expressed serious concern over the severe response by the Iranian government towards demonstrators, and urged an immediate stop to the killing of innocent protesters:
The authorities must end this brutal and deadly crackdown immediately and show respect for human life. Even if a small minority of protesters have resorted to violence, police must always exercise restraint and use no more force than is strictly necessary…Violence by a few individuals does not justify a widespread reckless response.”
Since Friday Iran has erupted with nationwide protests, triggered by the growing frustration at the government’s petrol-rationing move and rising fuel prices. This has sent prices skyrocketing at 50%, alongside the continued sanctions by the US that is crippling the economic lives of ordinary Iranians.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has promised protesters that the fuel price increase will be used to help fund subsidies for poorer families, while many other senior officers have accused the United States and its allies for instigating these protests. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei blamed the demonstrators on foreign influence as well, stating:
Friends and enemies should know we have pushed the enemy back in the military, political and security war arena…this work of these days has been security work, not from the people.”
According to Iranian authorities, around 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested so far. Additionally, video footage obtained by Amnesty International shows riot police smashing the windows of cars with people still inside, as well as snipers targeting and shooting demonstrators from rooftops.
Major roads have been blocked in and around Tehran, and severe internet restrictions have been in place since Saturday. An almost complete internet blockage has stopped much of the information flow and restricted rights groups and media outlets from reporting on or obtaining vital information from within Iran.
Iranian authorities have not released an official death toll or number of those injured, however with the worrying estimates by human rights groups of over a hundred killed, many remain in the dark over what the actual figure may be. In addition to the disparity in numbers, there have also been reports of footage from Syria being used as supposed ‘evidence’ coming from Iran, showcasing the lack of authoritative clarity on what really is happening on the ground in Iran. With an abundance of historic evidence of foreign meddling in Iran, many have questioned the truth of these demonstrators, as well as the reasoning behind them.
