Iran's Ongoing Protests Spark Indefensible Crackdown on Civilians, Including Minors
At least three children have been killed and over 40 minors arrested during the eight-day-long protests sweeping across Iran, with human rights groups condemning the regime's security forces for carrying out "indiscriminate targeting of civilians." The nationwide uprising, sparked by the collapse of the country's currency and rising living costs, has spread to at least 78 cities and 222 locations, with demonstrators calling for an end to the regime.
The protests have continued despite a worsening crackdown by security forces, who responded to comments from the country's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, addressing protesters as "rioters." The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI) reports that 990 people have been arrested and at least 20 killed so far. Among those reported dead were a 15-year-old boy, Mostafa Falahi, from Azna, central Iran, who was killed when security forces opened fire on protesters on January 1.
The Oslo-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights also documented the deaths of two other minors: 17-year-old Rasul Kadivarian and his 20-year-old brother, Reza, who were killed along with a third child in Qom. The identity of the third child has yet to be verified by human rights groups.
Skylar Thompson, deputy director of HRAI, described the situation as "clear evidence that youth are present throughout the ongoing protests" and accused security forces of carrying out "indiscriminate targeting of civilians." The group's documentation reveals at least 44 children among those arrested. These numbers provide a stark illustration of the regime's tactics.
The use of military-grade weapons and teargas against protesters has only intensified in recent days, with witnesses describing scenes akin to war zones. In Ilam, western Iran, security forces raided and attacked the Khomeini hospital, where injured protesters had been taken, sparking outrage from human rights groups.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with eyewitnesses describing brutal crackdowns on civilians, including minors. The regime's actions have been widely condemned by human rights groups as a violation of international law. As protests continue to spread across Iran, it remains clear that the regime must be held accountable for its actions.
At least three children have been killed and over 40 minors arrested during the eight-day-long protests sweeping across Iran, with human rights groups condemning the regime's security forces for carrying out "indiscriminate targeting of civilians." The nationwide uprising, sparked by the collapse of the country's currency and rising living costs, has spread to at least 78 cities and 222 locations, with demonstrators calling for an end to the regime.
The protests have continued despite a worsening crackdown by security forces, who responded to comments from the country's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, addressing protesters as "rioters." The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI) reports that 990 people have been arrested and at least 20 killed so far. Among those reported dead were a 15-year-old boy, Mostafa Falahi, from Azna, central Iran, who was killed when security forces opened fire on protesters on January 1.
The Oslo-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights also documented the deaths of two other minors: 17-year-old Rasul Kadivarian and his 20-year-old brother, Reza, who were killed along with a third child in Qom. The identity of the third child has yet to be verified by human rights groups.
Skylar Thompson, deputy director of HRAI, described the situation as "clear evidence that youth are present throughout the ongoing protests" and accused security forces of carrying out "indiscriminate targeting of civilians." The group's documentation reveals at least 44 children among those arrested. These numbers provide a stark illustration of the regime's tactics.
The use of military-grade weapons and teargas against protesters has only intensified in recent days, with witnesses describing scenes akin to war zones. In Ilam, western Iran, security forces raided and attacked the Khomeini hospital, where injured protesters had been taken, sparking outrage from human rights groups.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with eyewitnesses describing brutal crackdowns on civilians, including minors. The regime's actions have been widely condemned by human rights groups as a violation of international law. As protests continue to spread across Iran, it remains clear that the regime must be held accountable for its actions.
. It's heartbreaking to see kids getting caught up in all this violence and some actually losing their lives 
. I get that people are angry about the economy and the currency situation, but this is just not okay 
. The way security forces are treating protesters, including minors, it's like they're seeing civilians as enemies rather than human beings 
. We need to make sure we're holding the government accountable for their actions, but at the same time, I don't think we should be demonizing everyone involved in the protests either 
. The international community needs to step up and put pressure on the regime to change its tactics ASAP 
.
theyre already sufferin so much and now its like their kids are gettin shot & arrested like no big deal security forces r more worried about followin orders than doin whats right btw 40+ minors arrested? that's just crazy 
what kinda system is this where kids are treated like adults & forced to face the music for speakin out? 
. I don't think the international community should stand by and watch this happen without doing something about it... we need to hold them accountable for their actions 
.
. they're using military-grade weapons on peaceful protesters? that's insane 
...
I'm really worried about what's going on in Iran right now 
those kids are so young and they're being treated like adults by the security forces 
it's just not right 
it's not just about human rights, it's also about the fact that innocent lives are being lost 
I'm sending all my positive vibes to the families of those kids who were killed 
security forces are supposed to protect ppl, not hurt them. and the fact that they're using military-grade weapons and teargas against protesters is just insane 
i feel so bad for all these innocent people. the regime needs to take responsibility for their actions and be held accountable 
. The regime's response has been totally unacceptable - using military-grade weapons and teargas on innocent civilians is just crazy 
. I feel so bad for the families of those who have lost loved ones, especially that 15-year-old boy who was killed 
. The regime needs to stop this crackdown and listen to what the people are saying 
. This is just so sad and frustrating 
78 cities and 222 locations spread out across the country... this isn't over yet 
. The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran has reported 990 people arrested and at least 20 killed, which is just devastating. The regime needs to be held accountable for its actions ASAP. 
And to make matters worse, the regime is labeling protesters as "rioters" which just gives them a license to terrorize even more 
.
I was just thinking about trying this new cafe downtown and they have an awesome matcha latte 
. Like, have you guys tried it? It's so good! Anyway, back to Iran... I've been following this news and it's just crazy how the regime is cracking down on civilians. Like, what even is the point of arresting minors? It's not like they're going to protest anymore or something 