The protests began with demands to address economic issues but soon escalated into political slogans, including calls for the overthrow of the theocratic regime. According to the human rights organization Human Rights Activists in Iran, at least 65 people have died during these actions, more than 2,300 have been detained, and protests have spread to 180 cities across the country, with many of the deceased being demonstrators.
According to human rights defenders, security forces are using firearms against protesters. The oil workers' union from the city of Bandar-e Kangan in southern Iran reports that on Wednesday, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in many injured individuals being hospitalized in critical condition. One surgeon from Ilam province described how he extracted two bullets from a Kalashnikov and 40 pellets from the back of a 50-year-old wounded man.
The Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that the overthrow of the theocratic regime is a "red line" that must not be crossed. Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi stated that those accused of destroying state property or engaging in armed clashes with security forces will be charged with "enmity against God," which under Iranian law is punishable by death.
Amid the protests, authorities have virtually completely blocked the internet and disrupted telephone communications, including landlines. Residents of the country note that such measures are being taken for the first time. The Iranian Ministry of Information and National Security has also sent SMS messages urging citizens to report on protest activities and to warn children about the "consequences of cooperating with mercenary terrorists."
