Writers Association Comes Out In Support Of Protesters
Iran's Writers Association, a banned organization whose members have been persecuted by the state, issued a statement supporting the country's "unquestionable right to protest."
The statement calls on all freedom-loving writers, artists, and like-minded organizations around the world to "not allow the government to once again fill prisons and cemeteries with protesters."
The Writers'Association emphasized that Iran "built its foundation on the killing, torture, and imprisonment of opponents, critics, and freedom-seekers" and has always "immediately stifled" the voice of any protest.
In the statement, the association said that the Iranian government has once again "opened fire on protesters, attacked hospitals to kidnap the wounded, and carried out [many] arrests."
The Writers Association wrote that the number of deaths and arrests in Iran is increasing every day.
Son Of The Shah Publishes List Of Protesters Killed
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was ousted in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has published on X a list of protesters he says have been killed in the ongoing protests in Iran. He wrote, "I assure you that the perpetrators of these crimes will be identified and punished without a doubt."
Pahlavi lives in the US and advocates for regime change in Iran.
Protests Continued Last Night
Reports and videos published on social media indicate that on the evening of January 4, nationwide protests in Iran continued for the eighth consecutive day. In numerous cities, there were street rallies and protests by civilians and clashes with security forces.
Videos posted online and obtained by RFE/RL's Radio Farda showed that protests continued in the Iranian cities of Tehran, Yasuj, Ilam, and Fardis, while fires burned in the streets of Mashhad and Mahallat on January 3.
According to reports from inside Iran, clashes between protesters and counter-riot forces have been particularly intense in the western city of Ilam, to the point where security forces stormed the city's Imam Khomeini Hospital and dispersed protesters.
Video appearing to be from Ilam show security forces firing tear gas at protesters.
Eyewitnesses in Ilam say that the number of security forces in some parts of the city has reached more than 150 people -- and there have been shots fired at protests, although it is unclear what weapons or ammunition was used.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported the arrest of at least 17 citizens, including a teenager, in the broader Ilam Province region.