Disturbing reports have surfaced from Iran, with witnesses alleging that police are deliberately targeting protestors’ eyes. The nation, particularly Tehran, is engulfed in turmoil, experiencing its most significant wave of protests against the Islamic Republic in over three years. Economic troubles have exacerbated tensions, leading to mass demonstrations that gained momentum in late December when the Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar.
On December 28, unrest spread beyond Tehran as shopkeepers in the central bazaar joined the protests, triggering a nationwide wave of dissent. Shockingly, the death toll, reportedly exceeding 500, continues to climb as authorities aggressively crack down on the demonstrations, which show no signs of abating.
Amid an internet blackout imposed to conceal human rights violations, harrowing accounts continue to emerge, shedding light on the plight of protestors. A 25-year-old artist, Maryam, described the situation as chaotic, with security forces resorting to extreme measures like targeting protestors’ eyes with motorbikes.
In another account, a resident from Tehran’s Niavaran neighborhood confirmed the severity of eye injuries, suggesting that the actual death toll could be in the thousands. Opposition groups in the UK revealed incidents of officers fatally shooting protestors, overwhelming hospitals with casualties beyond their capacity to provide adequate care.
Although estimates vary, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 500 deaths and 10,000 arrests, predominantly due to live ammunition or pellet gunfire at close range. Global leaders and human rights advocates have condemned the Iranian police’s actions, urging authorities to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The joint statement released by France, Germany, and the UK emphasized the need for Iranian authorities to protect their population and exercise restraint, denouncing the violence against protesters. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, calling for accountability and respect for human rights in Iran.