‘Death to Khamenei’ chanted during Islamic Revolution celebrations in Tehranpublished at 11:37 GMT
Ghoncheh Habibiazad and Richard Irvine-Brown
BBC Persian and BBC Verify
During the recent celebrations marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, demonstrators within Iran expressed dissent through chants of “death to Khamenei” and “death to the dictator.” This year’s events highlighted the ongoing tensions within the country.
The festivities commenced on Tuesday evening, the eve of the anniversary, featuring joyful crowds waving flags in mosques while pro-government supporters filled the streets during the daytime, culminating in fireworks displays in the night.
‘Death to Khamenei’ chanted during Islamic Revolution celebrations
These celebrations occurred against the backdrop of weeks of anti-government protests and a severe crackdown, resulting in thousands of fatalities amid a prolonged internet blackout, which has since been lifted.
Despite state efforts to promote chants of “Allahu Akbar” during the celebrations, verified footage has emerged showing residents in Tehran vocally opposing the regime with cries of “death to Khamenei” and “death to the dictator,” both from their homes and while on the streets.
The sourced videos were traced to neighborhoods in western Tehran. Each clip featured the characteristic fireworks of the state celebrations, while identifiable landmarks and road layouts were used to confirm the video’s locations. Reverse image searches confirmed these recordings first appeared online late on Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
- Chants of “death to Khamenei” marked the Islamic Revolution anniversary celebrations in Tehran.
- Celebrations began on Tuesday night with flag-waving and daytime pro-government gatherings.
- Recent events follow weeks of anti-government protests and a harsh crackdown, resulting in many fatalities.
- Verified footage shows dissent despite state calls for supportive chants.
- Videos were confirmed to originate from specific neighborhoods in Tehran.
FAQ
What did the celebrations for the Islamic Revolution include?
The celebrations featured flag-waving, pro-government gatherings, and fireworks displays.
Why were there chants of dissent during the celebrations?
The chants reflected ongoing tensions and dissatisfaction with the government, especially following recent protests.
What has been the impact of the anti-government protests?
The protests have resulted in thousands of deaths and a significant government response, including internet blackouts.
The events surrounding the anniversary reflect a complex interplay of celebration and dissent within Iran, illustrating the ongoing struggles that continue to shape the nation’s political landscape.
