Iran's Brutal Crackdown Leaves Thousands Dead as Eyewitnesses Share Harrowing Accounts
The ongoing crackdown by Iranian authorities on protesters has led to a devastating loss of life. Thousands of people have perished in the violence, according to multiple sources. Citizens from India and other countries who were present in Iran during the unrest have come forward with chilling first-hand testimonies.
Eyewitness Describes Fatal Shootings and Overflowing Morgues
A protester named Kiarash spoke to the AFP news agency about the terrifying events he witnessed. "I heard this pop pop... and I saw with my eyes three people collapsed at the same time," he recalled. Kiarash revealed that the number of people killed in the protests reached into the thousands.
He described people being pushed into two warehouses stacked with black body bags. The bags were sometimes piled two or three high. A mother cried alone for help as she tried to move her son's body. "More than 1,500, up to 2,500 dead people in just one warehouse," said Kiarash, who previously worked for a logistics company.
Verified Death Toll Soars, Actual Numbers Likely Much Higher
Iran Human Rights, an organization based in Norway, has verified 3,428 protester deaths. They warn that the actual death toll is probably several times higher. Other estimates suggest the number could range from 5,000 to 20,000. An internet blackout across Iran has severely hampered the verification process, making accurate counts difficult.
Another eyewitness told AFP about the relentless gunfire. "It wasn't shotgun fire, it was an assault rifle, automatic bursts of fire... every 10 minutes we heard a row of gunshots," the witness said. Despite the danger, protesters remained steadfast. "People were not scattering. They were just staying," the witness added.
Indians Return from Iran on Commercial Flights, Describe Situation
Several Indians have returned to Delhi from Iran using commercial flights. The flights arrived late on Friday night. One Indian traveler arrived with a group of 12 to 13 people. "We didn't face any problem," he told PTI. "We have returned from Tehran. Earlier, we were in Iraq, then we traveled to Iran. After an eight-day stay there, we have returned to India."
A young woman studying at a medical college in Shiraz shared her experience. "The Internet was not working. So, we didn't exactly know what was happening around the country," she said. She noted that the situation in her city was fine. However, she emphasized that she and others returned on their own initiative, without assistance from the Indian government. "We have come back on our own in a commercial flight, and not on the arrangement of the Indian government," she told PTI.
Khamenei Blames Trump, Labels Protesters as US 'Foot Soldiers'
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a speech on Saturday, broadcast by state television. He acknowledged that the protests have left "several thousand" dead. Khamenei called US President Donald Trump a "criminal" for his public support of the protesters.
"In this revolt, the US president made remarks in person, encouraged seditious people to go ahead and said: 'We do support you, we do support you militarily'," Khamenei stated. "We do consider the US president a criminal, because of casualties and damages, because of accusations against the Iranian nation." He also labeled the protesters as "foot soldiers" of the United States.
