Day after day, despite internet censorship, international NGOs are accumulating evidence: we now know that the security forces have, on several occasions and in several places, opened fire on demonstrators. We know that every day there are hundreds of arbitrary arrests and detentions, cases of torture and rape. Iran Human Rights, an association based in Norway, counted more than 200 people killed in one month, including 23 children.
This footage shows the brutality of the Islamic regime of Iran against it’s citizens. Please share with the world, what’s happening in Iran. The Islamic regime of Iran must end #MahsaAmini#مهسا_امینی pic.twitter.com/iCsfk2hoBV
— ✨ Nafas ✨ (@N4F4S8) October 12, 2022
The NGO now fears a bloodbath in the city of Sanandaj, capital of the province of Kurdistan, where Mahsa Amini was from, where the demonstrations are the most important. Sanandaj where the army deployed tanks and many members of the Bassij militia.
Like France, the Europeans, too, condemn this repression: they will punish those responsible. “The shocking violence inflicted on the people cannot go unaddressedCommission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted on Wednesday.
The brave Iranian women demand freedom and equality – values that Europe believes in and must speak up for.
The violence must stop. Women must be able to choose.
This shocking violence cannot stay unanswered.
It’s time to sanction those responsible for this repression. pic.twitter.com/o4nKEjkpNT
—Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 12, 2022
The contours of the sanctions will be confirmed on Monday 17 October by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and then by the European Council on 20 and 21 October. Iranian political and security officials, in particular those associated with the morality police, should join the Union’s blacklist: they will no longer be able to enter European soil and their assets will be frozen. Similar measures have already been taken by the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
The revolt, it, crosses a new stage. Beyond the veil, it is the very foundations of the Islamic Republic, corruption and dictatorship that fuel anger. Anger that has already spread to universities. Incredible scene Saturday, in a university for girls in Tehran, considered as little politicized: the students chant “Go away” to President Ebrahim Raïssi, who has planned to pay a visit… and who has to turn around.
Listen to this message from students at the University of Tehran this Wednesday, October 12: “We don’t want spectators! Join us ! “, chant these protesters who organized a sit-in of protest in the most famous faculty of#Iran. #MahsaAmini pic.twitter.com/IrUUya3JKs
— Armin Arefi (@arminarefi) October 12, 2022
The movement is also spreading among traders, who lowered their curtains in many cities on Wednesday, October 12, and in industry. The workers of at least four refineries are on strike and burn tires in front of the entrance to the sites. Power fears contagion. Calls for a general strike are increasing.