**
The ongoing protests in Iran have sparked a wave of violence and repression, forcing many injured demonstrators to seek clandestine medical treatment rather than risk arrest in hospitals. As security forces intensify their crackdown, reports indicate that thousands have been killed or wounded, with doctors and healthcare workers stepping forward to provide care under perilous conditions.
A Desperate Escape from Violence
In Isfahan, Tara, a protester, recounts the harrowing moment when security forces descended upon a peaceful demonstration. “My friend told an armed member of the security forces, ‘Just don’t shoot us,’ and he immediately fired several shots at us. We fell to the ground. All our clothes were covered in blood,” she shared. Fearing for their safety, Tara and her friend opted against going to a hospital, instead seeking refuge in a stranger’s home until they could find a doctor willing to treat their wounds privately.
The dangers of seeking medical help are exacerbated by a pervasive security presence in hospitals, where staff report ongoing monitoring of patient records by authorities. Many injured protesters, therefore, are left reliant on compassionate medical professionals who risk their own safety to provide care in secret.
The Scale of the Tragedy
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the death toll from the protests has reached 6,301, comprising 5,925 protesters, including 112 children, alongside bystanders and government affiliates. The figures are further compounded by reports of 17,091 additional fatalities under investigation. Amidst this chaos, over 11,000 protesters have sustained serious injuries, with many opting to avoid hospitals due to fears of arrest.
Nima, a surgeon in Tehran, spoke about the overwhelming influx of wounded individuals he witnessed during the protests. “For almost 96 hours straight, we were operating without sleep, without even closing our eyes,” he recounted. The stark reality of his experience was marked by the sight of young people suffering critical injuries, often requiring amputations due to gunshot wounds.
Healthcare Workers Under Threat
The situation for healthcare workers in Iran has also become increasingly perilous. Reports indicate that security forces are actively targeting doctors and medical personnel who assist protesters. Human rights groups highlight that at least five doctors and a volunteer first responder have been arrested, with accusations of “moharebeh” (enmity against God) being levied, a charge that can carry the death penalty.
Healthcare professionals are reportedly modifying their medical records to obscure references to gunshot wounds, aware that such details could lead to severe repercussions from security forces. One healthcare worker noted, “We are constantly monitored; any mention of gunshot wounds can lead to trouble.”
The Ongoing Crisis
As the crackdown continues, the plight of injured protesters remains dire, with smaller cities experiencing even harsher realities. Eyewitness accounts describe hospitals resembling war zones, overwhelmed by the number of casualties and lacking essential supplies. In some instances, security forces have been reported to abduct patients from hospitals, further fuelling a climate of fear.
Dr Qasem Fakhrai, head of the Farabi Eye Hospital in Tehran, has confirmed treating hundreds of patients with severe eye injuries, most of whom were admitted following the onset of the protests. The overwhelming demand for medical care amid this humanitarian crisis highlights the urgent need for international attention and advocacy.
Why it Matters
The current situation in Iran underscores a broader struggle for human rights and civil liberties in the face of state-sponsored violence. As the government’s crackdown escalates, the resilience of healthcare workers and the bravery of injured protesters seeking care in secret serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political repression. The international community’s response could play a critical role in shaping the future of dissent in Iran and the safety of those who risk their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
