As we commemorate the anniversary of the Great Uprising of November 2019 in Iran, we honor the memory of over 1,500 martyrs and the countless protesters who faced arrest and torture during this pivotal event. This reflection aims to delve into the significant developments that unfolded during that time.
Overview of the November 2019 Uprising
In November 2019, Iran was engulfed in widespread protests triggered by the regime’s decision to triple gasoline prices. These protests, which lasted for about a week, were unprecedented in scale, spreading to over 190 cities across all 31 provinces. While the immediate cause was the fuel price hike, demonstrators quickly redirected their anger towards the regime’s broader policies and governance.
The protests evolved into a more organized movement, with chants calling for regime change, such as “Death to Khamenei,” “Death to Rouhani,” and “Down with Dictatorship.” Protesters targeted symbols of authority, leading to attacks on various centers of repression, including those affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and police stations.
Cities with populations exceeding one million became focal points for unrest, starting in Khuzestan Province and rapidly spreading nationwide. Major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz witnessed extensive protests and violent confrontations. The demonstrations not only expressed widespread discontent but also strategically targeted regime institutions, particularly state-run banks, inflicting estimated damages exceeding $5 billion.
The Regime’s Brutal Response to the Uprising
In response to the uprising, the Iranian regime launched a brutal crackdown. This included an internet blackout aimed at disrupting communication among protesters and obscuring the uprising’s scale. Initially overwhelmed, the State Security Forces (SSF) handed control to the IRGC. Despite intensified suppression efforts, protests continued to escalate until Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered security forces to employ lethal measures.
The aftermath was catastrophic: at least 1,500 protesters were killed, over 4,000 were injured, and approximately 12,000 were arrested. Security forces utilized various weapons against unarmed civilians—batons, tear gas, firearms, snipers, and even machine guns in some cases. Reports of human rights violations led to international condemnation from entities like the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Amnesty International.
The regime’s response also included horrific torture methods against detainees. Fearing renewed protests, authorities executed some detained protesters even a year later as a means to instill fear and suppress dissent. This situation highlighted severe human rights abuses and illustrated the lengths to which the Iranian regime would go to maintain its power.
The Role of Organized Democratic Resistance
The organized democratic opposition played a crucial role in the November 2019 uprising. The Resistance Units of the main opposition group Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) demonstrated significant organizational capability throughout Iran. Established years prior to the protests, these units had gained valuable experience through numerous acts of civil disobedience.
Regime officials openly acknowledged the MEK‘s influence in leading the protests. Khamenei labeled them “thugs” and “foreign mercenaries,” alleging their activities were linked to American interests in Albania where MEK headquarters are located. Various officials pointed fingers at the MEK for orchestrating violence and destruction during the protests.
The Iranian regime claimed that MEK had operational cells within Iran and abroad that coordinated with foreign elements. Reports surfaced regarding arrests of individuals allegedly connected with MEK activities. Regime leaders emphasized that a well-trained network supported by intelligence and financial resources existed within their ranks.
In conclusion, state officials identified MEK as a central force behind the November 2019 uprising, attributing both its organization and intensity to their activities within Iran’s Resistance Units. This acknowledgment underscores the ongoing struggle for democracy amidst severe repression by the Iranian regime.
