During a widespread internet outage in Iran, several state television channels were hacked on Sunday, airing clips featuring exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi and scenes from the ongoing anti-government protests in Tehran. According to reports, two videos of Pahlavi were broadcast, including one urging Iranian security forces to support the demonstrators. A particular message displayed asked, “Do not point your weapons at our people. Join us for the freedom of Iran.”
Pahlavi directly appealed to the military, distinguishing them from the Islamic Republic and emphasizing their responsibility to protect the Iranian populace. He urged them to join the people swiftly, as, he suggested, their time was limited.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which monitors human rights abuses in Iran, indicated that demonstrations had continued through their 22nd day as discussions about potential U.S. military intervention unfolded. Their records showed over 600 protests, with significant numbers of arrests and deaths, including thousands of protesters, some shockingly young.
Reports from various cities indicated aggressive actions by security forces, including raids on hospitals that left many injured protesters without care. Witnesses described morgues overwhelmed and security forces heavily positioned around medical facilities, hampering access to treatment.
Moreover, some injured demonstrators allegedly succumbed to their wounds while seeking refuge in nearby buildings since ambulances were reportedly absent, and communication lines were down.
