Iran's Regime Resorts To Force In Renewed Protests
Protests appear to have reignited in Iran, with the city of Izeh in the southern Khuzestan province becoming the focal point of clashes between citizens and security forces.
Protests appear to have reignited in Iran, with the city of Izeh in the southern Khuzestan province becoming the focal point of clashes between citizens and security forces.
The popular dissident Twitter account, 1500tasvir, which had been dormant for weeks, published correspondences with residents of Izeh this week claiming that regime agents have opened fire on people to quell the demonstrations. Although unconfirmed, reports suggest that these actions have indeed taken place.
Messages sent to 1500tasvir from city residents detailed the use of live ammunition by regime agents to assert control over the city. Additionally, videos have emerged online, depicting citizens chanting slogans against the regime.
While Iranian social media users discuss the unrest in Izeh, no official reports or images regarding the ongoing protests have been released online. A video circulating on the internet shows city residents chanting slogans in support of Iran's exiled prince, Reza Pahlavi, who has emerged as a prominent opposition figure.
It is apparent that this particular rally occurred weeks ago.The city witnessed clashes after a young protester named Kemar Tahmasbi was killed in an armed confrontation with regime forces just last week.
Tahmasbi was among the youth who actively participated in protests that unfolded between the 15th and 17th of November in Izeh. He shared camaraderie with Mustafa Ahmadpour, another protester killed on the 21st of July in a fierce armed confrontation with regime agents.
The IRGC issued a statement acknowledging that, in response to "organized actions by armed and criminal elements in Izeh, orders were issued to detain them after identifying their locations and activities. These individuals resisted arrest and, in the exchange of gunfire, two were killed, while three were apprehended."
In an earlier development in April, eight citizens detained during nationwide protests in Izeh were indicted on charges such as "waging war against God" and "corruption on earth," which carry potential death sentences. These arrests took place in November 2022 by the intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The regime's crackdown on dissent has intensified ahead of the anniversary of the Women, Life, Freedom movement. The uprising, sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September, has been the most significant challenge to the clerical regime since its establishment in 1979. Regime repression forces killed over 500 people and arrested over 22,000 during the protest rallies.
In an attempt to stifle potential actions within universities, the regime has escalated its crackdown on academics in recent weeks. This includes dismissing tens of professors and banning even more students.
An Iranian daily article earlier this week revealed details about the regime's purge of university professors. Just last Sunday, at least 10 university professors were dismissed due to their support for the popular uprising.
The regime is replacing professors critical of the regime with "religious" and "revolutionary" professors.
Intelligence agents have threatened the families of protesters killed during the rallies, summoned all protesters released on bail, and issued warnings of severe punishments for those who participate in protests.
However, calls for protests and strikes in mid-September are increasing as the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death serves as an opportunity for dissidents to reaffirm their commitment and solidarity against the regime.
