According to human rights activists, security forces in Iran used severe force against further protests. In the Kurdish town of Saghes, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, human rights organization Hengaw reported yesterday. Several people were injured.
Videos on social media also showed demonstrations in other Kurdish cities. Protest slogans like “Death to the Dictator!” and “Woman, life, freedom” could be heard on the unverified recordings. On the occasion of traditional celebrations about a week before the Persian New Year, activists called for new protests. After the protest calls, top police commanders threatened decisive action by the security forces.
Six months after the latest wave of protests in Iran began, the country’s political and spiritual leaders are under considerable pressure. The autumn uprisings plunged the Islamic Republic into one of its worst crises in decades. The trigger was the death of Iranian Kurd Jina Mahsa Amini in mid-September. She died in police custody after being arrested for breaking Islamic dress codes.