Iranians crossing the border into Iraqi Kurdistan described experiencing violence during recent protests and a government crackdown amid an internet blackout. At the Bashmaq border crossing, individuals arriving from Iran reported instances of security forces using force against protesters.

One man, who requested anonymity, told the BBC that he was shot with pellet rounds during a protest in central Iran the previous Friday. He showed welts and bruises on his face, indicating where the pellets had struck him. "I was hit in the face by seven pellet rounds," he said.

The Iranian government has shut down the internet and blocked phone calls within the country, but the borders remain open. Many Iranians are crossing into Iraqi Kurdistan to visit family. According to the BBC, none of the individuals interviewed at the border crossing stated they were fleeing Iran due to the protests.

The use of facial recognition technology by Iranian authorities to identify and suppress dissent has been a growing concern. While not explicitly mentioned by the individuals interviewed, the potential for AI-powered surveillance to monitor and target protesters raises ethical questions about privacy and freedom of expression. AI algorithms, trained on vast datasets of images and videos, can identify individuals even in crowded environments, potentially enabling authorities to track and apprehend those participating in demonstrations. This capability raises concerns about the chilling effect on free speech and the potential for misuse of technology to suppress political opposition.

The Iranian government has not yet released an official statement regarding the allegations of violence against protesters or the internet shutdown. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as more information becomes available. International human rights organizations have called for transparency and accountability regarding the government's response to the protests.