Iran's Post-Protest Crackdown Intensifies

Iranian security forces have launched a severe and widespread crackdown following nationwide protests that began in late December due to spiraling prices. The government has arrested over 50,000 people, including students, lawyers, doctors, and reformist figures close to President Masoud Pezeshkian. Reports indicate thousands of deaths, with authorities using surveillance to track down participants. Detainees are often held incommunicado, denied legal counsel, and subjected to harsh prison conditions in facilities like Iran===Evin Prison and Iran===Qarchak Prison. Organizations like the Human Rights Activists in Iran, Committee for Monitoring the Status of Detained Protesters, and Dadban are documenting the abuses. The head of Iran's judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi, has labeled protesters 'terrorists.' Internationally, U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed military assets to the Persian Gulf and threatened action against Iran, further escalating tensions.