At least 19 dead in unrest in Iran

Riots

Human rights activists: At least 19 dead in unrest in Iran

The Iranian government does not provide any precise information about the current unrest in the country – let alone about possible victims. According to human rights organizations, there are deaths.

According to a human rights organization, at least 19 demonstrators were killed in the unrest in Iran. Hundreds more were injured and arrested, Oslo-based Iran Human Rights said in its latest report. In addition, the authorities are said to have used heavy weapons to put down protests, at least in some areas.

The Iranian government continues to provide no information about the unrest and victims. Current information is therefore based primarily on reports on social media and from human rights activists abroad. However, these reports cannot be independently verified.

According to eyewitnesses, there were also dramatic scenes in the center of the capital Tehran. Demonstrators ignored police requests to leave the scene immediately. The officers then used batons against the crowd, including many young women. Some protest participants were dragged into minibuses and taken away, while others sought protection from police and security forces in nearby shops.

Journalists are banned from reporting directly on the protests, regardless of whether they work for Iranian or foreign media. It was made clear to photographers that they were not allowed to take photos – otherwise they would be banned from working. Publications in Iranian media are subject to censorship by authorities.

The unrest has been shaking Iran since last Sunday. They are directed against the country’s Islamic rulers. Initially, people only protested in Tehran against the government’s economic policies, but this soon developed into nationwide political unrest.

In addition to the massive criticism of the current leadership, there are also calls for a return of the monarchy, which was overthrown by the Islamic revolution in 1979.