Iran used mosques to surveil, shoot at January protesters: Report
Reports indicate that Iranian security forces utilized mosques as operational bases to monitor and suppress protesters during civil unrest in January. Evidence includes intercepted communications and eyewitness accounts suggesting these religious sites were repurposed for state security operations.
Why it matters
The use of religious institutions for state-sponsored surveillance and violence highlights the escalating tension between the Iranian government and its citizens.
Iranian security forces used mosques across Tehran as bases to deploy personnel, monitor protesters and confront demonstrators during a deadly crackdown in January, according to evidence obtained by Iran International.Intercepted radio communications, video footage and eyewitness accounts reviewed by Iran International point to security operations being conducted from several mosques in and around the Iranian capital on January 8 and 9, when large crowds took to the streets.The report said security personnel discussed deploying forces and equipment inside Imam Hossein Mosque, which Iran International geolocated to the intersection of Sattari Highway and Mokhbari Street in western Tehran. Witnesses described security activity around the mosque after electricity was cut in the area, while surveillance drones flew overhead.According to Iran International, witnesses said security personnel positioned outside some mosques engaged protesters before forces inside emerged to beat and arrest demonstrators.
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