Eyewitness Account Describes Iran’s Street Protests as “Massacre”
A prominent Iranian rapper returning from business in Iran has reported widespread violence against protesters, likening the situation on the streets to a "massacre." Meraj Tehrani, who currently resides in the UK, spoke to Sky News about the ferocity of the protests that began in early January amid economic discontent, escalating into a broader challenge to the ruling regime.
Why It Matters
The current unrest in Iran has shifted from economic grievances to a significant challenge to the government, with reports indicating thousands of fatalities amidst the crackdown on demonstrators. This situation has raised concerns about human rights violations and the potential for international intervention or condemnation.
Key Developments
- Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei acknowledged that "several thousand people" have died during the protests.
- Human Rights Activists News Agency confirmed over 3,000 deaths, including nearly 2,900 protesters.
- Tehrani believes foreign forces have been engaged to suppress the protests, noting their tactical precision in targeting demonstrators.
- The rapper described an atmosphere of unity among the protesters, who are demanding systemic change.
- He stated that threats against him have increased, deterring any plans to return to Iran.
Full Report
Eyewitness Details
Meraj Tehrani shared his experiences during a return visit to Iran as protests grew. Initially sparked by economic strife, the demonstrations quickly morphed into broader calls for political reform. Observing large crowds, he noted, "I’ve never seen an Iranian mood like that," emphasizing a rare sense of solidarity among participants.
Tehrani recounted that the government’s reaction was unexpectedly violent, with authorities employing non-lethal bullets and tear gas. However, he claimed that violence escalated further, particularly when elite units of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard were deployed. He described horrific scenes he witnessed, with bodies left on the streets as a message of intimidation to others.
Use of Force
The rapper alleged that foreign militiamen have been brought in to quell the protests, suggesting this accounts for their lethal efficiency in targeting protesters’ heads and chests. "One person’s life matters in any nation," Tehrani insisted, highlighting the inhumanity of the situation.
He provided a stark depiction of the events, saying, “On Friday evening that’s when the majority of the killing started,” indicating a marked escalation in violence. He expressed frustration with the international community, questioning the lack of response from global leaders, including the European Union.
Messages of Hope Amid Violence
Despite the turmoil, Tehrani noted that many protests continued after international expressions of support, including statements from U.S. leaders. However, he mentioned a sense of disappointment felt by Iranians towards such support, stating, “We have hope.” Tehrani indicated that he has received threatening messages online, leading him to fear for his safety should he return to Iran.
Context & Previous Events
The protests in Iran are among the most significant challenges to the regime in recent history, driven by widespread discontent over economic conditions and government policies. In a recent statement, Supreme Leader Khamenei attributed unrest to external influences, blaming foreign nations for the chaos and asserting that the Iranian people will ultimately prevail against these forces.
