Iran is signaling that trials for protesters will be swift and executions are imminent as the death toll from the government's crackdown on nationwide demonstrations continues to rise above 2,500.
The head of Iran's judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has stated that trials should be completed quickly, implying that executions could follow soon. His comments come after activists had warned that hangings for those detained could happen anytime.
Iran has been holding a mass funeral for 300 security force members killed in the demonstrations, with tens of thousands of mourners attending and holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The government is trying to quell protests but people remain fearful in the streets due to plainclothes security forces still patrolling neighborhoods.
Many Iranians are concerned about their safety after schools were closed and they fear sending their children to school again, according to a mother of two who spoke on condition of anonymity. Another witness, Ahmadreza Tavakoli, described seeing one demonstration in Tehran and witnessing the use of firearms by authorities, stating that "people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns."
Iran has been under pressure from the international community over its handling of the protests, with US President Donald Trump warning of strong action if Iran continues to kill peaceful protesters. One Arab Gulf diplomat stated that major Mideast governments were discouraging the Trump administration from launching a war against Iran due to fears of "unprecedented consequences" for the region.
Meanwhile, activists have been working around an internet shutdown by offering free service via Starlink satellite internet, which has become key in getting information out of the country. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that 2,403 protesters had died and over 18,100 people were detained, with the majority of those detained not accused of participating in protests.
The death toll from Iran's crackdown on protesters continues to rise, making it one of the deadliest in recent years.
The head of Iran's judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has stated that trials should be completed quickly, implying that executions could follow soon. His comments come after activists had warned that hangings for those detained could happen anytime.
Iran has been holding a mass funeral for 300 security force members killed in the demonstrations, with tens of thousands of mourners attending and holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The government is trying to quell protests but people remain fearful in the streets due to plainclothes security forces still patrolling neighborhoods.
Many Iranians are concerned about their safety after schools were closed and they fear sending their children to school again, according to a mother of two who spoke on condition of anonymity. Another witness, Ahmadreza Tavakoli, described seeing one demonstration in Tehran and witnessing the use of firearms by authorities, stating that "people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns."
Iran has been under pressure from the international community over its handling of the protests, with US President Donald Trump warning of strong action if Iran continues to kill peaceful protesters. One Arab Gulf diplomat stated that major Mideast governments were discouraging the Trump administration from launching a war against Iran due to fears of "unprecedented consequences" for the region.
Meanwhile, activists have been working around an internet shutdown by offering free service via Starlink satellite internet, which has become key in getting information out of the country. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that 2,403 protesters had died and over 18,100 people were detained, with the majority of those detained not accused of participating in protests.
The death toll from Iran's crackdown on protesters continues to rise, making it one of the deadliest in recent years.