Mass protests erupt against Islamic government in Iran, 42 killed; internet and international calls shut down

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Anti-government protests in Iran have intensified, with people taking to the streets against the Islamic government led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Public anger has surged across the country over rising inflation, a weakening economy, and alleged repression by security forces.

The situation became more tense on the night of January 8, after which the government led by President Masoud Pezeshkian suspended internet services and international telephone calls nationwide. Meanwhile, senior officials from the judiciary and security forces issued strong warnings, threatening strict action against protesters chanting slogans for freedom.

The protest movement gained further momentum after Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi appealed to people to come out on the streets on Thursday and Friday at 8 pm local time. Reza Pahlavi is the son of Iran’s last monarch, who fled the country shortly before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

According to eyewitnesses, loud slogans echoed across several parts of Tehran as the clock struck 8 pm. Many protesters were seen responding to Pahlavi’s call. Demonstrators raised slogans such as “Death to the dictator,” “Death to the Islamic Republic,” and “This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return.”

Protests that began in cities and rural towns across Iran continued on Thursday as well. Several markets and shops remained closed in support of the demonstrators.

According to a US-based human rights activists’ news agency, at least 42 people have been killed in the violence linked to the protests so far, while more than 2,270 people have been detained by the authorities.