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 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. Despite the crackdown, individuals continue to cross into Iraqi Kurdistan, many to visit family. According to the BBC, none of the people interviewed at the border said they were fleeing Iran due to the protests.
The protests occurred against a backdrop of economic hardship and social restrictions in Iran. While specific details about the cause of the protests were not available due to the communication blackout, similar demonstrations in the past have been triggered by rising prices, unemployment, and limitations on personal freedoms. The government's response, which has often involved the use of force and restrictions on communication, has further fueled tensions.
The situation highlights the challenges of reporting on events in countries with limited access to information. The internet blackout makes it difficult to verify claims and assess the scale of the protests and the government's response. International human rights organizations have repeatedly called on the Iranian government to respect the rights of protesters and to allow access to information.
As of the time of reporting, the Iranian government had not issued a statement regarding the specific allegations of violence at the protests. The border crossing at Bashmaq remains open, but the situation inside Iran remains unclear due to the ongoing communication restrictions. The BBC continues to monitor the situation and seek further information from sources inside and outside the country.
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