According to HRANA, the peak of the protests in Iran was reached last Thursday, January 8th. At least 96 demonstrations took place across the country, in 27 of the 31 provinces. In response, the ayatollah regime implemented an internet shutdown and cut off international telephone communications, a measure that is still in effect today. Iran's Tasnim news agency, linked to the regime, reported on Sunday the death of eight security forces members between Wednesday and Thursday due to 'attacks with firearms and other objects'. The wave of protests, which began on December 28th, was sparked by an economic crisis, the fall of the national currency (rial), and high inflation. The NGO Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) stated on Sunday that the death toll from the crackdown on protests has risen to 192. Meanwhile, HRANA, operating from the United States, confirmed that the number of deaths during the demonstrations is 116. Due to the escalation of violence, US President Donald Trump threatened to intervene in the country in support of the protesters if the repression continued. In turn, Iranian authorities reported the arrest of nearly 200 'leaders of terrorist groups' and the seizure of 'a considerable amount of ammunition, weapons, grenades, and Molotov cocktails from the rioters' hideouts'. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of attacking the unity of Islamic countries and creating division abroad 'to achieve their sinister objectives'. The parents of 23-year-old Kurdish-Iranian student Rubina Aminian, who was killed during the protests in Tehran on Thursday, January 8th, went to the capital to identify her remains and gained access to the morgue, according to the NGO's account. Meanwhile, the Iranian military stated on Saturday that it is prepared to face any 'plot' sponsored by the United States, which it accused of inciting instability. Some videos being circulated by the Europe-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights show massive night marches in several parts of Iran, one of which was verified in Tehran last night. The organization, based in Oslo, Norway, said it confirmed the deaths through 'direct sources' and 'two other independent media'.
Iran Protests: Peak of Violence and Internet Shutdown
Iran is experiencing the peak of protests triggered by an economic crisis. In response, the government shut down the internet, and the death toll from clashes with security forces has reached 192, according to human rights groups. The US has threatened to intervene.
