Iran: Protests expected in Tehran January 13 /update 5

Event

Anti-government protests are expected to continue in Tehran on Monday, January 13, primarily in response to the government's recent announcement that the military forces have shot down a Ukrainian airplane the previous week.

On Sunday, January 12, protests were reported in Tehran's Azadi Square and in various parts of the city amid rising tensions and a resumption of regime opposition, a movement which began in November 2019. Reports emerged on Sunday that police in Tehran used tear gas and live ammunition to control protesters. Videos shared on social media platforms had sounds of gunshots in the background and showed pools of blood amid groups of protesters. Local police rejected the allegation on Monday, stating that the police in Tehran have been given orders to show restraint.

Protests, as well as a heightened security presence and significant transportation disruptions are to be expected over the coming several hours in Tehran. Protests remain possible in other urban centers across the country.

Context

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif announced on January 11 that the incident was due to "human error" after the plane flew too close to a Revolutionary Guards' military site. The plane crashed near the Tehran suburb of Parand shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) at approximately 06:12 on January 8. None of the 176 passengers and crew members on board survived the crash.

Advice

Individuals in Iran, particularly Tehran, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruption, and obey all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.