In brief
Protests in Iran have escalated sharply, with protesters defying a severe government crackdown and internet shutdown. Eyewitness reports confirm numerous casualties over recent days. Authorities have threatened severe reprisals against demonstrators, classifying them as 'enemies of God'. The protests, ignited by rampant inflation, have spread across the country, with calls for the downfall of the Supreme Leader. US officials and exiled figures express solidarity and support for the demonstrators.
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 the internet shutdown in an effort to stop the protests, significantly curtailing access to the global internet and limiting communication with the outside world. The current shutdown is reported to be more severe than previous ones, with experts stating that access is now 'almost completely down'.Videos have emerged showing fierce clashes between protesters and security forces in cities like Tehran and Mashhad. Despite the dangers, activists continue to raise their voices, calling for freedom and change.On social media, US President Donald Trump showed support for the Iranian protesters, suggesting that the USA is 'ready to help'. This coincides with reports of discussions regarding potential military responses to the situation. The international community is closely monitoring developments in Iran, as humanitarian concerns grow in the wake of these protests.The protests signal deep-rooted discontent within the Iranian populace, reminiscent of prior uprisings, and represent a significant challenge to the current regime.
