Iranian Exile Shares Harrowing Accounts of Protest Repression in Karaj

A man known as Farzat, who fled Iran, recounted his experiences of severe government repression during recent protests in Karaj. He described witnessing security forces firing live ammunition at demonstrators, resulting in multiple fatalities, including six protesters on a single street. Farzat, a Kurdish Iranian expelled from law school due to his political activities, emphasized the heightened anger among citizens compared to previous protests in 2022. He reported that nearly 3,000 individuals have died due to the ongoing crackdown on dissent. With a near-total internet blackout in Iran, stories like Farzat's are crucial for understanding the current situation. He believes that the Iranian government is nearing its end as public discontent grows.

Key Details: • Farzat witnessed security forces kill at least six protesters in Karaj. • Over 80 bodies were reported received by a hospital in Karaj on January 8. • Approximately 3,000 people have died in Iran due to government repression since protests began. • Farzat expressed skepticism about foreign promises of support for the protesters.