I saw it with my own eyes - they fired directly into lines of protesters, and people fell where they stood. Omid, a protester in southern Iran, speaks out amid fears for his safety. Demonstrations have erupted in response to escalating economic hardship, with security forces reportedly firing on unarmed individuals using assault rifles.
Omid's account is echoed by many who have taken to the streets, each risking severe consequences for speaking out. We are fighting a brutal regime with empty hands, he asserts, as internet access across the country remains restricted, complicating communication and reporting.
Reports suggest a deteriorating situation, with violence increasing following a warning from Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Eyewitness accounts detail horrific scenes of violence, with individuals lamenting the losses they have witnessed. A young woman from Tehran described a siege-like atmosphere, noting the courage it took for her to share her experiences.
The toll of the crackdown has been severe, with estimates of civilian fatalities ranging considerably, as sources from within the country report inflated numbers compared to official statistics. Human rights groups report at least 648 deaths since the protests began, with many more injuries and disappearances.
The international community, including the UN, has condemned the excessive use of force by Iranian security, calling for accountability and protection of human rights. As the Iranian government continues to clamp down on dissent, including targeting journalists and shutting down news outlets, the global call for reform and justice intensifies.
Eyewitness videos and testimonies paint a bleak picture of the protests, revealing not just the extent of violence but also the profound resilience of the protestors demanding change amidst a regime entrenched in power and ruthless control.
