Arrests, death threats and direct attacks by security forces: since September 16, the families of demonstrators killed during the “Women, Live Freedom” movement in Iran have faced intense repression from the authorities. While new demonstrations against the regime are likely to occur as the anniversary of the death of one of their own approaches, the Iranian authorities are taking all necessary measures to stifle any dissent.
On September 21, security forces burst into the village of the family of Javad Heidary, a protester killed in September 2022, in an attempt to prevent any commemoration of his death. Roads leading to the village and the cemetery where Javad Heidary’s body lies were blocked, and the village’s internet connection was cut. Security forces even used tear gas and live ammunition to attack the Heidary family home, injuring family members, including children.
These violent actions by the Iranian regime aim to stifle any expression of discontent and prevent the families of the victims from expressing their anger. Since the start of commemorations of the deaths of demonstrators, the authorities have increased house arrests, threats and summonses, in order to dissuade any form of protest.
Despite this pressure, some families initially announced their intention to organize ceremonies to honor the memory of their deceased loved ones, but ultimately had to cancel in the face of intimidation and threats. Recordings of live social media chats revealed the extreme pressures and threats these families faced.
The Iranian regime’s repression is not new, but it has intensified in the run-up to this anniversary, fearing that it could revive a popular protest movement. Since 2022, every day marks the anniversary of the death of a protester killed by Iranian security forces, and the regime’s mission is to silence any desire to protest.
The violent attack on the Heidary family home illustrates the extreme repression exercised by the Iranian regime and the climate of fear in which the victims’ families live. The authorities do not hesitate to use violence, intimidation and repression to maintain their control over the population and stifle any dissent. As spectators of these events, it is our duty to bear witness and denounce these human rights abuses, hoping that international pressure can change the situation in Iran.