Key Facts
- ✓ A protester, now in Istanbul, described the extreme danger of seeking medical care during Iran's protest crackdown.
- ✓ Security forces were reportedly stationed at hospitals to detain and interrogate anyone with injuries sustained during demonstrations.
- ✓ The protester claimed that authorities were 'shooting at their backs' as they fled, indicating a brutal and targeted approach.
- ✓ The account highlights the severe risks faced by protesters, forcing many to flee the country to escape persecution.
- ✓ The experience of being wounded became a dual threat: the initial injury and the subsequent danger of seeking treatment.
A Harrowing Escape
From the relative safety of Istanbul, a protester has recounted the terrifying reality of surviving Iran's recent crackdown on demonstrations. His story provides a rare, personal glimpse into the brutal tactics employed against those who took to the streets.
The account details not only the violence of the protests themselves but also the calculated aftermath, where seeking essential medical care became a life-threatening gamble. The experience underscores the extreme peril faced by individuals caught in the government's response.
Hospitals as Traps 🏥
For the wounded, the path to recovery was fraught with peril. According to the protester, the most dangerous place to be after an injury was a hospital. He stated it was 'too dangerous' to seek professional medical treatment because of the environment waiting for him.
Security forces had established a presence at medical facilities, turning them into sites of detention rather than healing. This strategy effectively weaponized the healthcare system against the injured.
- Police were positioned at hospital entrances
- Anyone with visible injuries was targeted
- Detention and interrogation followed medical treatment
"It was 'too dangerous' to go to a hospital after he was wounded, since police were waiting to detain and interrogate anyone with injuries."
— A protester, speaking from Istanbul
The Nature of the Crackdown
The protester's testimony describes a coordinated and violent suppression of dissent. His assertion that authorities were 'shooting at their backs' paints a picture of a force acting with impunity against fleeing crowds.
This specific detail suggests a deliberate intent to inflict maximum harm, rather than simply disperse crowds. The tactic indicates a level of brutality that goes beyond standard crowd control measures, targeting individuals in a vulnerable position.
They were shooting at their backs.
Life in Exile
Now residing in Istanbul, the protester represents a growing number of Iranians who have fled the country to escape persecution. His journey from the streets of Iran to a foreign city highlights the personal cost of political dissent.
The decision to leave one's home is never easy, but in this context, it became a necessity for survival. His story is a testament to the lengths individuals will go to in order to secure their safety and share their truth with the world.
A Voice from the Shadows
The account from Istanbul serves as a critical piece of evidence in understanding the full scope of the events in Iran. It moves beyond statistics and official statements to reveal the human experience at the heart of the crisis.
As the world watches, these personal narratives provide essential context. They remind us of the courage required to stand up for one's beliefs and the profound sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and justice.
"They were shooting at their backs."
— A protester, describing the protest crackdown
