The Devastating Reality of Iran's Protests: A Look Inside the Mortuaries
In a series of chilling videos, we uncover the grim truth behind the ongoing protests in Iran. These visuals, captured at various mortuaries across the country, paint a picture of tragedy and loss.
A Mortuary's Shocking Revelation
One particular video, filmed at the Tehran Forensic Diagnostic and Laboratory Center, has sent shockwaves. With multiple edits and angles, it reveals a scene of despair: body bags and shrouded figures lie on the floor, surrounded by grieving individuals. In a single shot, we count at least 21 body bags, and across the entire video, a staggering 182 figures are visible. The date on this video? January 9th.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Despite the government's internet blackout, these videos have emerged, believed to be from Friday. They show rows upon rows of dead bodies, with friends and family searching for their loved ones. The true death toll is a matter of debate, with HRANA, a US-based human rights group, stating nearly 500 protesters have been killed, while other activists suggest an even higher figure.
Verifying the Unimaginable
Our team at BBC Verify has taken on the challenging task of verifying these distressing videos. By matching building layouts and satellite images, we've confirmed the location of one set of videos to be near Kahrizak, around 14 miles from Tehran. In these videos, we count at least 50 body bags, with hundreds of people gathered, a stark reminder of the deadly nature of these protests.
A Reporter's Visit
A video published by the state broadcaster on Sunday shows a reporter visiting one of these mortuaries. Inside a windowless room, they inspect body bags while speaking to grieving individuals. This video, along with others, appears to have been filmed after January 10th, adding to the growing evidence of the protest's deadly impact.
And this is the part most people miss...
The UK government has been critical of Iran's IRGC, with sanctions imposed on the organization and its individuals. However, they've stopped short of proscribing them as a terrorist organization, citing diplomatic relations with Iran. This decision has sparked calls for the IRGC to be proscribed, with the current Labour government considering a new terrorist designation that could address state actors like the IRGC.
A Global Perspective
While the UK grapples with its stance, other countries have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, including the US, Canada, and Australia. The debate continues, with questions arising about the UK's approach and the potential impact on its diplomatic relations.
A Funeral's Chilling Chant
In a powerful moment captured on video, mourners at a funeral in Tehran's Behesht-Zahra Mortuary chant "death to Khamenei," the Supreme Leader of Iran. This video, verified by matching images and reverse searching, adds a new layer to the narrative, showcasing the protesters' defiance and determination.
Protests in the Dark
Verified videos from Punak Square in Tehran, filmed during a reported electrical blackout, show hundreds of people waving their phones. The blackout adds a layer of mystery, but with the help of building logos, we've been able to pinpoint the location. The internet shutdown has made timing difficult, but by comparing videos, we've confirmed their authenticity and early online presence.
A Chaotic Highway Scene
Footage from Mashhad, Iran, shows a chaotic clash between protesters and security forces. With barricades, fires, and green lasers, the demonstrators are a powerful sight. Gunfire and explosions fill the audio, and a clip even captures the muzzle flash of a gun being fired from a bridge. This video, a compilation of clips, provides a glimpse into the intense anti-government protests.
A Day in the Life of BBC Verify Live
As we continue our work at BBC Verify Live, we delve deeper into these stories. Our team counts at least 180 bodies from just one morgue in Tehran, a stark reminder of the protests' brutality. We also track sanctioned oil tankers in British waters, examining their origins and routes. Additionally, we investigate Ukrainian claims of striking Russian oil platforms in the Caspian Sea, using satellite imagery and fire-tracking data for verification.
These stories, and many more, are part of our ongoing mission to bring you the truth, no matter how challenging or controversial. Stay tuned as we navigate the complexities of global events, and feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
