Politics Protests in Iran are becoming increasingly violent
The nationwide protests in Iran continue and are becoming increasingly violent after eight days. According to eyewitnesses, there were clashes in the capital Tehran between demonstrators on the one side and police and security forces on the other. Slogans such as "Death to the dictator" could be heard.
04.01.2026, 13:32
SDA
The demonstrators also made reference to the recent events in Venezuela, where US forces captured head of state Nicolás Maduro in an attack on Saturday. "You're next", chanted some demonstrators. Several protesters were arrested and taken away in minibuses, according to eyewitnesses.
According to eyewitnesses, there were dramatic scenes in front of the former municipal theater in the center of Tehran. Demonstrators ignored the police's request to leave the area immediately. Officers then used batons against the crowd, many of whom were young women. Some participants in the protests were dragged into minibuses and taken away, while others sought shelter from police and security forces in nearby stores.
Human rights organization: At least 17 dead
According to the Norwegian-based human rights organization Hengaw, at least 17 people were killed in the first seven days of the protests. In addition, more than 500 people were arrested. The information is based on social media reports and statements from human rights activists abroad. They cannot be independently verified. The Iranian government does not publish precise information.
Numerous Iranians also drew parallels to the developments in Venezuela on Platform X. Images of the arrested Maduro were replaced by those of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Users warned the Iranian system that it could face a similar fate. The Iranian government had strongly condemned the US attack on the Venezuelan capital Caracas.
Protests against economic policy turned into unrest
Political unrest has been rocking Iran since last Sunday. They are directed against the country's Islamic rulers. Initially, people only protested against the government's economic policy in Tehran, but this soon developed into nationwide political unrest.
In addition to massive criticism of the current leadership, there are also calls for the return of the monarchy, which was overthrown by the Islamic revolution in 1979.
