Tehran: Fear has become part of daily life for many people in Iran after weeks of protests were met with a harsh and deadly crackdown by security forces, according to accounts from residents, activists and human rights groups.
The unrest, which erupted earlier this year over political and economic grievances, saw large crowds gather in cities and towns across the country. Witnesses say security forces responded with live fire, mass arrests and widespread intimidation, forcing many protesters into hiding.
A woman who filmed parts of the violence told reporters that she now avoids leaving her home, worried she could be arrested or worse. Similar stories have emerged from across Iran, where families are mourning loved ones while trying to stay out of the authoritiesā sight.
Human rights organisations say the scale of the violence is far greater than initially reported. Updated estimates suggest that more than 6,000 people may have been killed during the crackdown, though the exact number remains unclear due to strict media controls and internet shutdowns imposed by the government.
Despite the fear, some resistance continues. Students, including those in medical colleges, have staged small protests and acts of defiance, even as universities come under tighter surveillance. Activists say these efforts show that anger has not disappeared, only been driven underground.
International pressure on Iran is growing. Several countries have announced new sanctions against Iranian officials and security agencies accused of human rights abuses. Meanwhile, journalists working outside the country say Iranian authorities are monitoring them and threatening their families back home to stop coverage of the unrest.
The issue has also reached global forums. The United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned the violence and called for independent investigations into the killings and the reported use of force against civilians.
For many Iranians, daily life remains overshadowed by uncertainty. With heavy security presence on the streets and limited access to information, people say they are trapped between grief for those lost and fear of what might come next.