Iran’s Protests Persist After One Month

A month after Iran’s protest movement first erupted, it appears to be gaining steam in the face of Tehran’s violent crackdown, which human rights groups say has killed at least 233 people—including 32 children.

To crush dissent, security forces have pulled from a brutal playbook, including firing assault rifles at demonstrators, forcibly shipping dissenting students off to psychiatric institutions, and even sexually assaulting a protester. Authorities have also cut internet access and punished celebrities who back the demonstrations with arrest and travel bans.

That’s done little to quell the outpouring of anger, especially as Tehran’s repressive tactics kill more children and protesters start to demand broader political change. The recent deaths of two 16-year-old teenage girls after they took part in protests has further fueled the public’s fury, the New York Times reported.

On Saturday, gunshots and loud blasts were heard throughout Tehran as a fire engulfed the infamous Evin prison, known for holding prominent political prisoners and other dissidents. Four detainees died after inhaling smoke while more than 60 others were wounded, according to state media.

Exactly what happened beforehand still remains unclear, although the Wall Street Journal reported that prisoners had been shouting anti-government messages. Some of the detainees’ families allege that state forces stoked the fire and believe more than four people were killed; Iranian officials insist that the incident is unrelated to the ongoing unrest.

As reports emerged on Saturday, U.S. officials expressed their concern for the Americans currently confined in the prison. “We are following reports from Evin Prison with urgency,” tweeted U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price. “Iran is fully responsible for the safety of our wrongfully detained citizens, who should be released immediately.”

The European Union is expected to levy sanctions today on Tehran over its response to the protests, following in the footsteps of the United States, Britain, and Canada.

“Violent repression must stop immediately. Protesters must be released,” Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign minister, tweeted. “Internet access and accountability are needed.”