A prominent Iranian human rights advocate incarcerated in the notorious Evin prison has published a letter saying that Iran's authoritarian theocracy has prevented people from achieving their rights, including democracy and freedom, and a normal relationship with the world.
Activists say the intensified government crackdown in Iran’s Kurdistan region is an attempt by the authorities to create fear among protesters and quell the nationwide antiestablishment protests that have rocked the country for the past two months.
Iranian authorities appear to have intensified their crackdown on anti-government protests in predominately Kurdish areas. There are reports of security forces using firearms and firing tear gas indiscriminately, including into people's homes.
Human rights groups say at least 185 people have been killed and thousands injured or arrested, but demonstrations that began after the death of Mahsa Amini have continued nearly a month.