Protesters in Iran defied a deadly government crackdown on Saturday night, taking to the streets despite reports suggesting hundreds of people have been killed or wounded by security forces in the past three days. Verified videos and eyewitness accounts seen by the BBC appeared to show the government was ramping up its response, as it continues an overarching internet blackout.
The country's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, said on Saturday that anyone protesting would be considered an enemy of God - an offence that carries the death penalty. Hundreds of protesters are believed to have been killed or injured since protests began more than two weeks ago, and many more detained.
The protests were sparked by soaring inflation and have spread to more than 100 cities and towns across every province in Iran. Now protesters are calling for an end to the clerical rulership of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian government has imposed an internet shutdown in an effort to stop the protests, making it increasingly difficult for international observers to verify the situation on the ground. An expert indicated that the current internet shutdown is more severe than that imposed during past protests.
Clashes have erupted across various cities, with verified footage showing protesters taking control of streets and engaging with security forces. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed attempts to aid the demonstrators, stating that America stands ready to help.
Amnesty International has reported an increase in the use of lethal force against protesters, as domestic hospitals overwhelm with casualties. The latest protests are reminiscent of earlier uprisings against government oppression, highlighting the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran.
The country's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, said on Saturday that anyone protesting would be considered an enemy of God - an offence that carries the death penalty. Hundreds of protesters are believed to have been killed or injured since protests began more than two weeks ago, and many more detained.
The protests were sparked by soaring inflation and have spread to more than 100 cities and towns across every province in Iran. Now protesters are calling for an end to the clerical rulership of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian government has imposed an internet shutdown in an effort to stop the protests, making it increasingly difficult for international observers to verify the situation on the ground. An expert indicated that the current internet shutdown is more severe than that imposed during past protests.
Clashes have erupted across various cities, with verified footage showing protesters taking control of streets and engaging with security forces. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed attempts to aid the demonstrators, stating that America stands ready to help.
Amnesty International has reported an increase in the use of lethal force against protesters, as domestic hospitals overwhelm with casualties. The latest protests are reminiscent of earlier uprisings against government oppression, highlighting the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran.
