'The list never ends': Iranian journalist breaks down naming protesters killed for demanding justice

Testimony Before the United Nations Security Council: Iran Uprising & Regime Brutality

Key Concepts:

• Transnational Repression: The practice of authoritarian regimes targeting dissidents and opponents beyond their national borders.
• IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps): A powerful military organization in Iran directly responsible for much of the violence against protesters.
• Communications Blackout: The deliberate shutdown of internet, cell phone, and landline services to suppress information and dissent.
• Nationwide Uprising: The widespread protests across Iran demanding an end to the Islamic Republic.
• Starlink: A satellite internet constellation used by Iranians to circumvent the government-imposed internet shutdown.

I. The Current Crisis & Call for Action

Masi Alinad, an Iranian woman, testified before the United Nations Security Council to bring attention to the brutal suppression of a nationwide uprising in Iran. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the “slaughter” will worsen without serious international action. The uprising, sparked by the collapse of the Iranian currency on December 28th, quickly evolved into a widespread rejection of 47 years of tyranny and oppression, encompassing all layers of Iranian society – shopkeepers, workers, teachers, nurses, ethnic minorities, men, and women. The core demand of the protesters is to end the Islamic Republic and stop the regime’s diversion of funds to groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthi, and the Chinese government.

II. Scale of Violence & Human Rights Abuses

Alinad detailed the extreme violence employed by the Iranian regime against unarmed protesters. She cited reports from Iran International media indicating a death toll exceeding 12,000, with CBS reporting over 20,000 deaths – acknowledging that the true numbers are likely far higher. She described harrowing accounts from citizen journalists sharing videos of “piles and piles of body bags,” and relayed urgent pleas for help from Iranians using Starlink to communicate with the outside world. Specific abuses included:

• Use of Military Weapons: The regime is using AK-47s against civilians.
• Storming of Hospitals: Security forces are reportedly entering hospitals to apprehend and finish off injured protesters.
• Extortion of Families: Families are being forced to pay to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones.
• Total Communications Blackout: The regime imposed a deliberate internet and communications blackout on January 8, 2026, not to quell protests (which were already widespread) but to conceal its crimes.

III. Transnational Repression & Threats to Exiles

Alinad highlighted the regime’s practice of “transnational repression,” extending its violence and intimidation beyond Iran’s borders. She personally testified to being targeted for assassination three times, witnessing her would-be assassins confessing to being hired by the IRGC. She stated that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered her killing for comparing compulsory hijab to the Berlin Wall. She acknowledged the protection provided by US law enforcement, but expressed “survivors guilt” knowing many Iranians lack such protection. She further revealed that the same IRGC members involved in attempted assassinations against her were also assigned to assassinate President Trump. The regime is aided in these efforts by the Chinese government, Venezuelan dictators, and Russian mobsters.

IV. Remembering the Victims & Identifying Perpetrators

Alinad honored several victims of the regime’s violence, emphasizing their courage and sacrifice:

• Satoesh Shafi (20 years old): Wrote on social media before being killed, “They are cutting off my internet but I love you all.”
• Fabian Moradi (17 years old): A young football player shot in the back.
• Meat Parvar: A popular athlete who stated, “I know I may be killed, but I have no fear. I want my rights” before being killed.
• Sio Shirzad (30 years old): Went to the streets to celebrate the promised rescue by President Trump and was killed by the Revolutionary Guards.
• Nagin Kadimi (20 years old): Died in her father’s arms after being shot.

She then directly named Judiciary Chief Hassi and IRGC commanders as responsible for ordering the brutal crackdown, noting the hypocrisy of their own families enjoying freedom in the United States while advocating “death to America.”

V. Historical Context & Failed Diplomacy

Alinad drew parallels to previous uprisings in Iran (2009 and 2019), noting that President Obama and President Biden both attempted to pursue diplomacy with the regime despite its history of violence and repression. She criticized the approach of handing billions of dollars to a regime that forces families to pay for the return of their loved ones’ bodies. She referenced the 2009 protests, symbolized by Neda Sultan, and the 2019 protests sparked by the murder of Mahsa Amini, highlighting a pattern of state violence against peaceful dissent.

VI. Call for a Paradigm Shift: Treating the Islamic Republic Like ISIS

Alinad concluded with a powerful plea for a fundamental shift in international policy towards Iran. She argued that the Islamic Republic is beyond reform and should be treated like ISIS, emphasizing that this is the only way to save lives. She stated, “The Islamic Republic behave like ISIS and the Islamic Republic must be treated like ISIS.” She rejected empty condemnations and called for concrete actions, urging the world to recognize that the Iranian people are demanding an end to the Islamic Republic and no longer view it as a legitimate government.

VII. Logical Connections & Synthesis

The testimony builds a compelling case for a drastic change in international policy towards Iran. Alinad connects the current uprising to a long history of state-sponsored violence and repression, highlighting the regime’s consistent pattern of brutality. She demonstrates the regime’s willingness to engage in transnational repression, threatening those who speak out against it even on foreign soil. The testimony culminates in a stark warning: the Islamic Republic is not a rational actor capable of negotiation and must be treated as a terrorist organization to prevent further bloodshed. The core message is a desperate plea for the international community to stand with the Iranian people and recognize their legitimate demand for freedom.