Iran: Protests Flare Amid Continued Unrest

Facts

• Demonstrations in Iran reportedly flared up in several cities throughout the night on Thursday, which marked 40 days since Iran executed two men on charges related to protests that began in September following the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody.¹
• Videos on social media appeared to show demonstrations in Iran’s capital, Tehran, as well as in the cities of Arak, Isfahan, Izeh in Khuzestan province, and Karaj. However, the videos have not been fully verified as the footage is blurred and at night.²
• The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights also shared videos appearing to show burning roadblocks in the western Kurdish city of Sanandaj, which has seen repeated demonstrations since Amini's death.³
• Another video from Tehran seems to depict security forces clashing with protesters while demonstrators in Izeh reportedly chanted, “this is the year of blood, Khamenei will be overthrown.”⁴
• This latest upsurge comes a day after Iran's ruler Ali Khamenei boasted about the turnout at a government-promoted celebration last week to mark the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Republic.⁵
• Human rights activists in Iran have reported that at least 529 protesters have been killed, while nearly 20K others have been detained – of which four have been hanged since December, and another 107 have reportedly been sentenced to death or charged with capital offenses.⁶

Sources: ¹Guardian, ²Arab news, ³Naharnet, ⁴Al arabiya english, ⁵Iran international and ⁶BBC News.

Narratives

• Anti-Iran, as provided by France24. Growing fears that the protests will transform into a broader push for freedom have resulted in the Iranian regime resorting to a violent crackdown. By linking civilians to terrorist entities, Iranian hardliners have so far evaded responsibility for the brutal killings, but there is no denying protests could topple the deeply entrenched clerical regime if the force and organization behind them continue.
• Pro-Iran, as provided by Tehrantimes. The protesters are a grave threat to national security as they are backed by foreign forces illegitimately interfering with Iran's politics. Iran's Supreme Leader is right to term them rioters and thugs. The Iranian justice system must hold demonstrators accountable in order to protect the country's stability.

Predictions