Iran protest victim: 'They were shooting to kill'

Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that several Iranians recounted personal experiences of a severe security crackdown in Tehran during the peak of the nationwide protests in January. The demonstrations, which drew tens of thousands of participants across the country, were met with a rapid and forceful response from Tehran’s security forces, resulting in a wave of arrests, injuries, and intimidation of protestors and their families.

Interviewees described being detained without formal charges, witnessing the use of tear gas and live ammunition, and facing ongoing surveillance after release. Medical personnel noted a surge in emergency admissions for shrapnel wounds and stress‑related conditions, while human‑rights groups warned that the crackdown could exacerbate societal tensions. Authorities have not provided an official casualty count, and the situation remains fluid as activists continue to call for accountability and reforms.