Analysis by PMOI/MEK
Iran, November 14, 2020—On the eve of the first anniversary of Iran’s November 2019 uprising, people in Iran and across the world are commemorating the biggest nationwide protests since the 1979 revolution and the 1,500 innocent victims who lost their lives to the brutality of the Iranian regime’s security forces.
In Behbehan, Khuzestan province, social media users have published posts and called for a ceremony on Sunday to honor Mehrdad and Mahmoud Dashtinia, two martyrs of the November 2019 protests.
Mehrdad and Mahmoud were killed by Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) snipers on November 16, 2019. Mahmoud was shot first by sniper units who had been dispatched on rooftops to target protesters. When Mehrdad went to help him, the snipers shot him too, killing both brothers on the same spot.
It is worth noting that Behbehan is one of the restive cities that has refused to bow to the regime’s suppressive measures after the 2019 protests. Earlier this year, the city saw another round of anti-regime demonstrations, in which protesters stood their ground despite the heavy presence of security forces.
In recent weeks, the regime has increased its security presence in Behbehan. According to reports from locals, the regime has installed security cameras in different locations in the city in recent days. The following video, recorded in Behbehan’s Arjan Square, shows security forces installing security cameras on crossroads.
In Langrud, the family of 18-year-old Pejman Gholipour, laid flowers on his grave and celebrated his life and sacrifice for his country. Gholipur was shot and killed by security forces in Karaj during the November 2019 protests.
In September 2020, Gholipur’s family held a ceremony on his birthday, after which security forces contacted them and threated to take action against them.
The November 2019 uprising has also gained the attention of states and international human rights bodies.
“16 November marks one year since Iran's Bloody November, when security forces killed hundreds of men, women and children during nationwide protests,” Amnesty International tweeted on Friday, and added that it will be publishing new documents on the regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters.
16 November marks one year since Iran's #BloodyNovember, when security forces killed hundreds of men, women and children during nationwide protests.
On Monday, @Amnesty launches a new microsite documenting how the lethal crackdown was hidden from the world.
Watch this space. pic.twitter.com/DZM97Q9dBr
— Amnesty Iran (@AmnestyIran) November 13, 2020
“A year ago, Alireza Nouri was shot at close range, which fractured his skull and caused damage to his brain. Alireza was killed by this regime while he was 17 years old,” the Farsi account of the US State Department tweeted on Thursday. “He is another young victim killed by the regime’s thugs during the November protests. We honor his innocence and courage today. Alireza’s death inspires freedom-loving Iranians. We tell the world that we will not forget.”
(۲/۲) وی قربانی جوان دیگری است که اراذل و اوباش امنیتی رژیم در جریان اعتراضات آبان کشتند. ما امروز بی گناهی و شجاعت او را گرامی می داریم. مرگ ناعادلانه علیرضا، الهام بخش ایرانیان آزادیخواه شده است. ما به جهانیان می گوییم که #فراموش_نمیکنیم.
— USA darFarsi (@USAdarFarsi) November 12, 2020
