Protests Sweep Iran Amid Economic Crisis and Crackdown
Protests began across Iran in late December, primarily driven by a significant devaluation of the Iranian currency and increasing living costs. Originating among shopkeepers in Tehran, the demonstrations expanded rapidly to include university students and spread to numerous cities and towns across the country. The unrest has led to reports of fatal clashes between demonstrators and security forces, a government crackdown involving heightened security measures and an internet blackout, and varying accounts of casualties from both official sources and human rights organizations.
Origins and Escalation of Protests
The demonstrations commenced on December 28, initially in Tehran, following a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar and soaring inflation, reportedly reaching 40%. Economic challenges have been attributed to international sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program, coupled with governmental economic policies and reported corruption.
Initially involving shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar, the protests expanded by December 31 to include university students and subsequently spread to various cities, including Lordegan, Marvdasht, Azna, and Kouhdasht. Human rights groups reported the protests had extended to over 100 cities and towns across all 31 Iranian provinces.
Participants in the demonstrations have been observed chanting against the country's clerical leadership, with some calling for an end to the supreme leader's rule and others advocating for a return to the monarchy. Slogans such as "Death to Khamenei" have also been reported. Instances of property damage, including cars, objects in streets, police vehicles, government buildings, mosques, and banks being set on fire, have been documented. Protesters reportedly attempted to enter a local government building in the city of Fasa.
Reported Clashes and Casualties
Clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported, with accounts detailing the use of live ammunition, pellet guns, and tear gas by security personnel, and stone-throwing by protesters.
Casualty figures vary significantly depending on the source.
Protester Fatalities:
- The semi-official Fars news agency and the human rights organization Hengaw initially reported two fatalities in Lordegan, identifying them as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh. Fars also reported three additional deaths in Azna and one in Kouhdasht.
- The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported figures ranging from 34 protester fatalities and 2,200 arrests in early January to over 6,159 confirmed deaths, including 5,804 protesters and 92 children, by late January. HRANA also indicated it was investigating an additional 17,000 reported deaths.
- Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO/IHR) reported at least 648 protester deaths, including nine individuals under 18, and suggested the total could exceed 25,000.
- Human rights activists later reported at least 6,490 protester fatalities across the country.
- BBC Persian has independently verified the deaths and identities of 21 individuals and documented accounts of protesters killed. Eyewitnesses have described security forces firing directly into lines of unarmed protesters.
Security Force Fatalities and Injuries:
- State media reported an IRGC member, identified as Amir Hessam Khodayari Fard, was killed in clashes in Kouhdasht; protesters disputed this, claiming the individual was a demonstrator shot by security forces. A 21-year-old Basij member was also reported killed in Kouhdasht.
- Iranian authorities reported 13 police officers and Basij members were injured from stone-throwing, and three police officers were injured in Fasa.
- Iranian authorities have reported varying figures for security force deaths, including 3, 5, and 100 security personnel killed. Last week, authorities stated over 3,100 people were killed, asserting that the majority were security personnel or bystanders targeted by "rioters."
Government Response and Statements
Authorities declared a bank holiday on January 3, resulting in the closure of schools, universities, and public institutions nationwide. While officially attributed to cold weather and energy conservation, many Iranians perceived this as an attempt to contain the protests. Heightened security measures were implemented in parts of Tehran.
A near-total internet blackout was imposed, largely in effect since January 8, which complicated reporting and independent verification of events. Some individuals reportedly circumvented these restrictions using methods such as SpaceX's Starlink and VPNs.
Government officials issued statements regarding the unrest:
- President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his government's commitment to addressing the "legitimate demands" of protesters.
- Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that any attempts to create instability would be met with a "decisive response."
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that "rioters should be put in their place" and that the "Islamic Republic will not back down," blaming the United States, Israel, and "seditionists" for instigating unrest.
- Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei affirmed authorities would address "legitimate and rightful concerns about their livelihood" but show no leniency toward "rioters."
- Iranian authorities characterized protesters as "rioters and terrorists" and condemned "terrorist actions."
Eyewitness Accounts, Forensic Evidence, and Information Challenges
Eyewitnesses have described a severe government crackdown, with security forces reportedly using lethal violence and targeting individuals with pellet guns, particularly in faces and eyes. Accounts from Tehran, Fardis, and other cities detail numerous fatalities.
Videos and photos, reportedly from mortuaries in Tehran, including the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Centre and Tehranpars hospital, have emerged. Footage from Kahrizak on January 10 reportedly depicted rows of body bags, blood-stained floors, and individuals seeking missing family members.
Analysis of these videos identified approximately 186 bodies in one segment and 178 in another, with some overlap, and indicated dates of death, including January 9, one of the deadliest nights for protesters. Leaked photos to BBC Verify from Kahrizak documented at least 326 victims, including 18 women, many reportedly disfigured or labeled as unidentified. Victims' ages reportedly ranged from 12 to 70 years old.
Families of individuals killed during protests have reported that authorities are demanding significant payments to release bodies for burial. Fees ranging from approximately $5,000 to $7,000 were reportedly requested in Rasht and Tehran. Some hospital staff allegedly advised relatives to collect bodies swiftly to avoid these demands. Officials at Tehran's Behesht-e Zahra mortuary reportedly offered to release bodies without charge if families claimed the deceased was a Basij paramilitary member killed by protesters, a condition some families stated they refused.
Due to the internet blackout and restrictions on international news organizations, independent reporting from within Iran has been significantly hindered, making comprehensive documentation and verification challenging.
Related Events and International Reaction
The current protests represent the most widespread unrest in Iran since the 2022 uprising triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, though their scale has not been reported as equivalent. The events occurred weeks before Iran marked the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.
In a separate development, Iran executed Ali Ardestani, an individual accused of espionage for Israel's Mossad intelligence service, consistent with historical practices.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the reported casualties and emphasized the importance of preventing further fatalities and allowing individuals to protest peacefully. Then-President Donald Trump indicated potential US intervention if Iranian security forces engaged in lethal action against peaceful protesters.