Widespread Violence in Iran: January Protests

Describing the events that unfolded on January 8, 9, and 10 across various cities in Iran poses a significant challenge due to widespread disruptions of internet access and communication with the outside world. However, reports and videos from individuals utilizing satellite internet, such as Starlink, have begun to emerge, revealing a harrowing picture of the protests and the government’s response.

Overview of Events

The situation in Iran has escalated, resulting in unprecedented and large-scale repression marked by lethal violence against both protesters and ordinary citizens. Eyewitness accounts suggest that armed forces, including snipers and plainclothes officers, were deployed to quell the protests on January 8 and 9.

Eyewitness Accounts

Attack on Protesters in Fardis

In Fardis, located about 40 km west of Tehran, several witnesses reported a sudden assault on demonstrators. After hours of quiet, members affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard emerged, attacking individuals in parks and alleyways. One witness remarked that men dressed in the recognizable garb of the Guard opened fire with military-grade weapons.

Reports indicated that these armed agents used private vehicles to approach and shoot at people from the cars. “In every alley, there were two or three fatalities,” said one individual. Additionally, sources claim that the Revolutionary Guard focused their attacks on key areas within the city, exhibiting indiscriminate firing at anyone in sight.

Fatalities and Injuries

Disturbing videos circulated online depicted bodies allegedly linked to the protests, showing several individuals on the ground suffering from severe injuries. One video captured a voice saying, “Today, January 8, look at what they’ve done to the people in Fardis. It’s 9 PM; they killed people with live ammunition.” Eyewitnesses speculate that the death toll in Fardis alone could be in the hundreds.

Testimonies from Tehran

Witnesses from Tehran and Karaj reported that security forces were firing from rooftops and bridges, often aiming at individuals using lasers. They characterized the atmosphere as one of chaos, with spent shells littering the streets despite efforts to clean them up.

Casualty Estimates

Local sources and eyewitnesses provided varying estimates of fatalities, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), based in the U.S., reported the confirmed deaths of 1,850 demonstrators, with additional numbers of government affiliates, civilians, and children. An Iranian official indicated that 2,000 people had died, attributing the violence to “terrorists.” However, independent verification remains impossible under the current circumstances.

Morgues Overwhelmed

Reports indicate that morgues in cities like Mashhad were inundated, with many bodies transported for expedited burials. Eyewitnesses noted alarming conditions, such as bodies being “stacked” and family members struggling to claim their loved ones. Videos from social media further highlighted the tragic scene in Kahrizak, where families were seen searching for relatives among numerous deceased.

The Use of Drones

Several accounts detailed the extensive use of drones by security forces to monitor and target protesters. One individual described them as persistent in the sky, firing indiscriminately at anyone within range. Witnesses emphasized that what began as protests swiftly devolved into a battlefield scenario.

Communication Disruptions

Nearly all testimonies highlighted severe disruptions to internet and mobile services. Many reported that mobile connectivity was limited to mornings, with complete outages occurring every afternoon. Threatening messages from the government warned citizens against participating in protests, contributing to an atmosphere of fear.

Conclusion

The response to the protests in Iran has created widespread fear among citizens. As many have expressed, stepping outside now feels like risking one’s life, with protests continuing to resonate from within homes and rooftops. The situation remains dire as the scale of violence and repression unfolds in the days ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Massive protests have erupted in Iran, met with lethal force from security forces.
• Eyewitness accounts describe indiscriminate violence against protesters.
• Death toll estimates vary, with humanitarian organizations reporting hundreds of casualties.
• The use of drones and severe communication disruptions have compounded the crisis.