The Devastating Reality of Iran's Protests: A Grim Picture Unveiled
In a series of heart-wrenching videos, the world is witnessing the deadly consequences of the ongoing protests in Iran. These visuals, captured at mortuaries across the country, paint a grim picture of the human cost of the unrest.
1. A Mortuary's Dark Secret
A six-minute video, filmed at the Tehran Forensic Diagnostic and Laboratory Center, reveals a chilling scene. Dozens of body bags and shrouded figures lie on the floor, with many mourners in tears. One person, overcome with grief, collapses. The video, dated January 9th, shows at least 21 body bags in a single shot, with a total of 182 bodies visible throughout. This is a stark reminder of the scale of the tragedy.
2. Sanctioned Tankers Navigate UK Waters
BBC Verify has identified a concerning trend: ten tankers, sanctioned by the UK, sailing through the English Channel. Four of these tankers are carrying cargo, and three are registered in Russia. This raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and the potential impact on global oil markets.
3. Rows of Dead Bodies: A Human Rights Crisis
The US-based HRANA reports nearly 500 protesters killed in Iran, with activists suggesting the true figure may be much higher. Despite an internet blackout, videos have emerged showing rows of dead bodies in a Tehran mortuary. Friends and family are seen searching for their loved ones, a haunting reminder of the human impact of this crisis.
4. Ukraine's Strike on Russian Oil Rigs
Ukraine's Special Forces claim to have attacked three Russian oil rigs in the Caspian Sea. BBC Verify examines drone footage, which shows drones approaching oil platforms. One platform, the Vladimir Filanovsky, is visible in satellite imagery, matching the structure seen in the footage. The other rigs, V.I. Grayfer and Yuri Korchagin, are also believed to have been struck, but the extent of the damage is unclear.
5. Videos Expose the Deadly Nature of Iran's Protests
Distressing videos from a mortuary near Kahrizak town reveal the deadly reality of the protests. Body bags on trolleys, surrounded by hundreds of mourners, tell a story of loss and grief. One video, published by the state broadcaster, shows a reporter inspecting body bags inside a warehouse, speaking to grieving people. These videos, a stark contrast to the government's narrative, highlight the need for independent verification.
6. The UK's Stance on Iran's IRGC
Successive UK governments have criticized the IRGC, imposing sanctions on the organization and its individuals. However, they have stopped short of proscribing it as a terrorist organization, citing diplomatic relations with Iran. The current Labour government has commissioned a review, recommending a new terrorist designation for state actors like the IRGC. Business Secretary Peter Kyle emphasizes the need for legislation to address this gap.
7. Calls for Proscription of IRGC
Following the deadly protests, there are calls to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization. This would make it a criminal offense to support or encourage the group. The IRGC, established to defend Iran's Islamic revolution, has grown into a powerful military force with regional influence. Several countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, have already designated it as such, but the UK has not.
8. Sanctioned Tankers in the English Channel
BBC Verify has been tracking sanctioned oil tankers in the English Channel, despite UK warnings. Location data confirms the presence of three tankers, including the Ariadne and White Condor I, currently passing through the Channel. The White Condor I, falsely flying the flag of Aruba, has a history of traveling from Russia to Brazil. The Ariadne, registered in Russia, is also sailing east. A third tanker, Anastasiia, sanctioned by the US, is also in the Channel. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes the priority of deterring the Russian shadow fleet.
9. 'Death to Khamenei' Chanted at Funeral
Among the many protest videos, one stands out: a funeral in a Tehran mortuary. Mourners, carrying a casket, cry for bravery and chant 'death to Khamenei,' the Supreme Leader of Iran. This video, verified through matching images and reverse searching, highlights the courage and defiance of the Iranian people.
10. Protests in Tehran During Blackout
Verified videos show hundreds of people gathering in Punak Square, waving their phones during a reported electrical blackout. The internet shutdown complicates the timeline, but two videos from Sunday help verify the location. In both videos, people cheer and clap, with increasing lights, suggesting a growing protest. The Iranian government's threat to jam Starlink capabilities raises concerns about access to information.
11. Chaos on Iran's Highway
Footage from Iran shows clashes between protesters and security forces on Vakil Abad Highway in Mashhad. Demonstrators, wearing masks and using fireworks and lasers, face off against a distant group of security personnel. Gunfire and explosions are audible, with one clip showing a muzzle flash from a bridge. This chaotic scene reflects the tension and violence of the protests.
12. BBC Verify Live: Monday's Focus
BBC Verify Live continues to analyze the situation in Iran. The team has counted at least 180 bodies in footage from one Tehran morgue alone. Sanctioned oil tankers in British waters raise questions about their origin and ownership. Additionally, Ukrainian claims of striking Russian oil platforms in the Caspian Sea are being examined, with satellite imagery and fire-tracking data providing crucial insights.
