Iran unrest: 27 killed as economic protests intensify; Khamenei warns ‘rioters’
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Tehran: At least 27 people have been killed in a violent crackdown by security forces as widespread protests against a deepening economic crisis sweep across Iran. The unrest, described as the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic since the 2022 Mahsa Amini demonstrations, has seen clashes erupt in Tehran and provincial strongholds.
According to the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR), the death toll includes five minors. While state-affiliated media have confirmed only three fatalities, they acknowledged the death of a police officer following armed clashes during funeral processions for slain protesters.
The epicentre of the recent surge appears to be Abdanan in the central province of Ilam. Social media footage from Tuesday night showed thousands of residents, ranging from the elderly to families with children, marching through the streets. The demonstrators reportedly outnumbered security personnel, even as military helicopters hovered overhead.
Tensions have also gripped the capital, Tehran, particularly in commercial districts like Yaftabad, where anger over economic hardship and foreign policy priorities has led to strikes and street demonstrations.
In a move condemned by Amnesty International, videos from Ilam city captured security forces entering the Imam Khomeini Hospital, allegedly to identify and arrest injured protesters. The rights watchdog stated that such actions violate international law and demonstrate the lengths to which authorities will go to "crush dissent."
Breaking his silence on the crisis, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning this week, declaring that those he termed "rioters" must be "put in their place."
Conversely, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issued his first direct tactical call to the movement. In a released message, Pahlavi urged citizens to participate in coordinated chanting at 8:00 PM on January 8 and 9 (Thursday and Friday), promising further instructions based on the public's response.
(Inputs from IANS)