An Iranian lecturer at University College Cork has described the ongoing events in Iran as a “massacre,” alleging the use of live ammunition against “peaceful protesters.” The unrest, which began as demonstrations against economic hardship, has rapidly escalated and is being described as the most violent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iran Protests Met With Deadly Force
Dr. Mastoureh Fathi, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, stated she has been unable to contact her brothers or friends in Iran since last week. She explained that while the protests initially stemmed from high inflation, they have evolved into a widespread call for regime change, with Iranians “fed up” with the current situation.
Dr. Fathi attributed the economic crisis to decades of sanctions that have left the Iranian people struggling to meet basic needs. She stated millions participated peacefully in the protests before the violent crackdown.
“They opened fire on peaceful protesters who were on the street.”
Dr. Fathi recounted accounts from friends and family who were actively participating in the demonstrations. “There was no discussion of not going on the streets,” she said, emphasizing the national scope of the protests against the regime.
She described witnessing a “massacre and mass killing” with “hundreds of dead bodies” reportedly in morgues in Tehran and other cities. Dr. Fathi alleged that authorities are using shotguns, machine guns, and live ammunition indiscriminately against protesters, chanting “End to the regime.”
The US-based HRANA rights group has verified the deaths of 2,403 protesters and 147 government-affiliated individuals. Rights groups suggest the actual death toll may be significantly higher due to internet blackouts hindering verification efforts.
An Iranian official reported on Tuesday that approximately 2,000 people have been killed in the protests, marking the first official acknowledgement of the high death toll.
Dr. Fathi further stated that communication channels have been disrupted and authorities are dismantling satellite dishes to prevent access to information about the protests and crackdown. She noted that many with visas or residency outside of Iran have left the country.
She shared witness accounts of killings occurring even in residential areas, with individuals shot while standing outside their homes. Dr. Fathi also alleged that families are being asked to pay up to €3,000 for the release of their deceased relatives’ bodies.
“So, what we are seeing is literally not just a massacre, but a massacre combined with absolute, absolute lack of morality in relation to even a dead body that is not being released to family members,” she said.
A senior Iranian official has warned that Tehran would strike American bases if the United States were to attack, according to reports. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet today to discuss the situation in Iran at the request of the United States.
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