Starting with economic demands, the protests soon evolved into political slogans calling 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 the protests, and more than 2,300 have been detained. The protests have spread to around 180 cities, with most of the deceased being participants in the demonstrations.
Human rights defenders note that security forces are using firearms against protesters. In particular, the oil workers' union from the city of Bandar-e Kangan reported that on Wednesday, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in numerous serious injuries. A surgeon from Ilam province reported that he treated a 50-year-old injured man, extracting two bullets from an AK-47 and 40 pellets from his back.
The intelligence department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any attempt to overthrow the theocratic regime is a critical red line that cannot be crossed. Tehran Prosecutor Ali Salehi stated that those accused of destroying state property or participating in armed clashes with security forces will be charged with "enmity against God," which under Iranian law can lead to the death penalty.
In response to the protests, the authorities have almost completely restricted access to the internet and disrupted telephone communications, including landlines. Residents report that such measures are being implemented for the first time. The Iranian Ministry of Information and National Security also sent SMS messages to citizens urging them to report on protest activities and warning children about the "consequences of cooperating with mercenary terrorists."
