In the aftermath of the 2022 uprising, Iran’s clerical regime has taken severe measures to suppress a resurgent wave of resistance.
This week alone, they’ve detained hundreds, including a 14-year-old girl named Yekta Dodangeh. However, the people of Iran remain undeterred, as they fervently commemorate the anniversary of the 2022 protests.
Sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, a new series of protests are echoing the calls from last year. Brave women have notably made their presence felt, with public displays of defiance in Rasht and Mashhad, chanting anti-regime slogans in broad daylight.
Young protestors also took to the streets of Lahijan in Gilan province on September 16. The following day, residents from cities like Tehran, Urmia, and Karaj raised their voices against the regime from the safety of their rooftops, decrying the “child-killing” regime and the “bloodthirsty Khamenei.”
Despite the regime’s heavy-handed approach in Tehran—mobilizing an astonishing 44,000 combined forces from the IRGC, Basij, and State Security and curbing public gatherings—the capital saw widespread unrest. Official reports from IRNA highlighted efforts by masked protestors to incite revolts across numerous districts in the city. In response, State Security forces used tear gas to disperse growing crowds.
Brutal beating of protesters by security forces of (IRGC)
Unfortunately, the crackdown also meant an increase in arrests. Among the detained was Yekta Dodangeh, who at 14 years of age, represents one of the younger faces of this rebellion. Since her arrest, there has been no word about her current condition.
Subsequent reports paint a grim picture. By September 17, a total of 357 arrests were made across various provinces, including Tehran, Karaj, and West Azerbaijan. Notably, the Mehr news agency reported the arrest of nine pivotal figures behind the Isfahan riots. The PMOI, an opposition group, had a significant number of affiliates detained, with different state agencies and news outlets reporting their arrests in different parts of the country.
Yet, amidst the repression, resistance continues to thrive. The PMOI Resistance Units, representing the opposition, launched 414 anti-repression operations across 41 cities in just two days.
Civil activists like Sheida Saberi, Parisa Mohammadi, and Gelavizh Tahmasbi also found themselves apprehended by authorities.
The resilience displayed by the Iranian people in the face of adversity is emblematic of their yearning for change. As the anniversaries of past uprisings come and go, the spirit of resistance remains as robust as ever, challenging a regime that seems increasingly vulnerable.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu