Iran's Security Forces Face International Condemnation for 'Indiscriminate Targeting' of Children in Protests
The ongoing protests in Iran have taken a devastating turn, with at least three children confirmed dead and over 40 minors arrested, according to human rights groups. The nationwide uprising, sparked by the collapse of the country's currency and rising living costs, has spread to 78 cities and 222 locations, with demonstrators calling for an end to the regime.
The protests have been met with a brutal crackdown by security forces, who have used military-grade weapons and teargas against crowds, despite eyewitness accounts suggesting that children were among the protesters. The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI) has documented at least 990 arrests and 20 confirmed deaths, with many more feared to be unaccounted for.
One of the victims is 15-year-old Mostafa Falahi, who was killed when security forces opened fire on protesters in Azna, central Iran. Another minor, 17-year-old Rasul Kadivarian, along with his 20-year-old brother Reza, were also killed in Kermanshah. A third child, a 17-year-old from Qom, has been confirmed dead by human rights groups, whose identity remains to be verified.
The HRAI has condemned the "indiscriminate targeting" of civilians, including children, and is calling for an end to the violence. Deputy director Skylar Thompson stated that the group had documented the killings and arrests of at least 44 children, providing clear evidence that youth are present throughout the protests.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with protesters chanting anti-government slogans and demanding the release of detained activists. Witnesses claim that security forces opened fire without regard for age or identity, using military-grade weapons and teargas to disperse crowds. The crackdown has been described as brutal, with detainees reportedly being severely beaten before being transferred to undisclosed locations.
The international community is condemning Iran's security forces for their actions, with many calling for an end to the violence and greater accountability for human rights abuses. The protests, which began in response to economic woes, have become a rallying cry for Iran's youth, who are demanding change and seeking justice.
The ongoing protests in Iran have taken a devastating turn, with at least three children confirmed dead and over 40 minors arrested, according to human rights groups. The nationwide uprising, sparked by the collapse of the country's currency and rising living costs, has spread to 78 cities and 222 locations, with demonstrators calling for an end to the regime.
The protests have been met with a brutal crackdown by security forces, who have used military-grade weapons and teargas against crowds, despite eyewitness accounts suggesting that children were among the protesters. The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI) has documented at least 990 arrests and 20 confirmed deaths, with many more feared to be unaccounted for.
One of the victims is 15-year-old Mostafa Falahi, who was killed when security forces opened fire on protesters in Azna, central Iran. Another minor, 17-year-old Rasul Kadivarian, along with his 20-year-old brother Reza, were also killed in Kermanshah. A third child, a 17-year-old from Qom, has been confirmed dead by human rights groups, whose identity remains to be verified.
The HRAI has condemned the "indiscriminate targeting" of civilians, including children, and is calling for an end to the violence. Deputy director Skylar Thompson stated that the group had documented the killings and arrests of at least 44 children, providing clear evidence that youth are present throughout the protests.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with protesters chanting anti-government slogans and demanding the release of detained activists. Witnesses claim that security forces opened fire without regard for age or identity, using military-grade weapons and teargas to disperse crowds. The crackdown has been described as brutal, with detainees reportedly being severely beaten before being transferred to undisclosed locations.
The international community is condemning Iran's security forces for their actions, with many calling for an end to the violence and greater accountability for human rights abuses. The protests, which began in response to economic woes, have become a rallying cry for Iran's youth, who are demanding change and seeking justice.
seriously though, what's goin on with those security forces? they're basically just shootin people left & right without carein if they're kids or not! i mean, 990+ arrests & 20+ deaths, that's just straight up horrific. and the fact that it's all goin down in protests about economic stuff just makes it even more messed up. shouldn't they be tryin to listen to people's concerns instead of just crackin down on 'em? 
this is so sad 
those poor kids 
they cant even protest without being shot at 
the security forces gotta stop dis 
and the hrai is doing a great job documenting everything 
i'm all about them 
44 children?!?! that's just crazy 
it's not just about economics, it's about freedom 
the number of arrests is already crazy 990+ 
and it's not just about them being in the wrong place at the wrong time, eyewitnesses said they were actually protesting and chanting slogans for change 
what's even more terrifying is the fact that many of these kids are still unaccounted for 
their families must be living with so much uncertainty and fear 
the human rights groups are calling for accountability but i don't think anything is gonna happen, sadly. this is so frustrating to watch, especially with all these young people getting hurt 
The fact that we have documented cases of at least 990 arrests and 20 confirmed deaths is just staggering. And the worst part is, these young people are not even adults yet 
They're just fighting for their rights and future, and the government is treating them like they're enemies.
. The youth are standing up for their voices to be heard, and we need to support them in this fight 
The protesters deserve justice, and we need to make sure that their voices are heard 