OIAC Human Rights Update
Sunday, October 16, 2022
The Count:
- Days: 31st day
- Protests: 191 cities
- Fatalities: 400+ estimated deaths, 206 identified
- Detentions: 20,000+
Latest
Prisoners in the infamous Evin prison, built and used by the Shah and later by the Khomeinist regime, revolted against the brutality of guards and were met with gunfire, death, and beatings. Evin is where political prisoners have been held, tortured, and massacred for decades by this regime. Many in Iranian society consider those imprisoned in Evin to be the most self-sacrificing and noble among the nation and they command much respect.
A fire broke out in the prison at around 9 PM on Saturday and several large explosions were heard. Video posted on social media showed a huge flow of protesters to the areas adjacent to Evin, as the routes were closed by plainclothes and later security forces to prevent protests around the prison. Protests continued in streets leading to Evin through the late hours. The authorities have claimed that some prisoners went into a “minefield” that they have established around Evin while trying to escape. More details will be reported as they are received.
As the nationwide uprising in Iran entered its second month on Saturday, IRGC Special Force Commander General Hassan Karami proclaimed, “the unrest is over!” This is while protests raged on during Saturday. In an interview with Hamshahri Online Karami claimed that those taking part in the protests are trained saboteurs, “expert in creating flash mobs using hit and run tactics, who were organized in groups of three or four and were armed with all sorts of weapons including grenades.” He went on to claim the protesters were better armed than his special units, claiming that his forces just use “paintball shotguns”, while opponents display full metal jackets with war ammunition. The use of Goebbelsian propaganda tactics is par for the course with the IRGC and regime officials who attribute their crimes and characteristics to their opponents and playact the role of righteous defenders of the nation. The problem is that the nation does not believe them and is calling for “Death to dictator” every day now.
IRGC General Hassan Hassanzadeh, the commander of Mohammad Rassoulallah Corps, which is tasked with Tehran’s security told the official news agency IRNA that 850 Basij militia members were wounded, and three others killed in clashes with the protesters in the Greater Tehran area. Some 185 Basij members were wounded in just one night, he said. Hassanzadeh added that the Basij has 380 well-equipped combat ready battalions in Greater Tehran, seemingly contradicting Karami. He claimed that IRGC’s commanders have banned the use of military weapons by these units. Tens of videos going viral on social media show Basij, IRGC and police personnel shooting at peaceful demonstrators in Tehran and other cities.
On Sunday, demonstrations had started again in many universities across the country.
Resistance
Maryam Rajavi wrote in a tweet about Evin prison: I urge the United Nations, the UN Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the European Union to take urgent action and intervene to prevent the massacre of prisoners in #Evin. #Iran. I urge Tehran’s residents and youths to rush to the aid of the families who have gone to #Evin Prison. Help them save the lives of prisoners who are confronted with fire and shootings. #IranRevolution2022
