A chilling account of the Iranian protests has been shared by an Australian who narrowly escaped the country. This witness, who we'll call Ali for safety reasons, recalls a scene of unprecedented unity and courage, but also of brutal suppression.
In a small city south of Tehran, during the summer break, Ali joined a crowd of protesters, chanting for freedom and an end to dictatorship. What struck him most was the diverse nature of the crowd - people from all walks of life, ages, and social classes, united in their dissent.
"It was a sight to behold," Ali shared with the ABC from Türkiye. "Mothers with young children, the elderly, even religious ladies in chador, all chanting for Reza Pahlavi, the crown prince in exile. This was a movement that cut across all boundaries."
But the peaceful protest soon turned into a deadly confrontation. Tear gas filled the air, and despite being towards the back of the crowd, Ali witnessed two people being shot right next to him.
"That's when we knew this was different. We were in real danger," he said.
The situation escalated quickly. Ali and his brother returned home to rinse the tear gas from their eyes, but when they ventured back out, they saw regime forces shooting and beating their own people.
"The streets were filled with blood. The protesters had no weapons, while the other side was armed to the teeth, with some military-grade weaponry," Ali described.
Two of Ali's friends, protesting in different cities, lost their lives during those two days of violence.
Video footage, obtained by the ABC, shows regime officers laughing as they film protesters who have been shot in the face. The footage appears to be from after January 10, and it's a stark reminder of the brutality faced by those daring to speak out.
The regime has also been accused of using intimidation tactics, such as publicly piling up hundreds of bodies outside a Tehran morgue facility. Ali believes this was an attempt to scare parents into keeping their children off the streets.
Furthermore, reports suggest the presence of proxy militias, with two protesters claiming to have heard regime forces speaking Arabic. This indicates that militias from Afghanistan or Iraq may have crossed borders to assist in the crackdown.
The situation has left many concerned, especially for the 19,000 people reportedly detained as part of the regime's response. There are warnings that extrajudicial executions could be imminent.
In the face of this crisis, some protesters, like Ali, are calling for international intervention. US President Donald Trump has hinted at help, but sources suggest a large-scale strike against Iran is unlikely to be the chosen course of action.
"It's an unequal and unfair battle," Ali said, reflecting the sentiment of many Iranians.
The Australian government has urged its citizens in Iran to leave while commercial options are still available. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the limited ability of the government to provide services in Iran due to the tense regional situation.
Ali's story serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of those fighting for their rights, and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to this crisis.
