In brief
As protests erupt across Iran, many protesters, like Tara, are forced to seek secret medical assistance rather than risk being arrested in hospitals controlled by security forces. The violence has led to thousands injured and a complex underground network of healthcare workers who are risking their lives to aid injured protesters. This report highlights the dire consequences faced by those attempting to seek medical help during this tumultuous time.
In a climate of fear and repression, protesters in Iran are avoiding hospitals to treat their wounds from protests, fearing arrest by security forces. The situation has become so severe that many injured individuals seek refuge in the homes of sympathetic citizens instead of formal medical facilities.
Tara, a participant in the protests, recalled the traumatic experience when gunfire erupted. We covered ourselves in blood, terrified of being taken to a hospital. Instead, we depended on the kindness of strangers for care, she said.
The government's crackdown has reportedly resulted in over 6,301 confirmed deaths, with many victims being peaceful protesters. Those injured live in fear of being identified if they seek help, opting instead for underground treatments.
Healthcare workers are also at great risk; many face severe consequences for treating injured protesters. Dr. Nima, a Tehran surgeon, spoke about the ongoing suppression: “We work day and night, saturated in blood, trying to save lives while constantly looking over our shoulders.”
Human rights organizations warn that the oppressive actions of the security forces aim to intimidate citizens and dissuade them from seeking medical treatment. Reports indicate that some healthcare professionals have been arrested simply for providing care to the injured.
The ongoing protests have exposed a brutal reality in Iran where the fear of violence extends beyond the streets, infiltrating the very places intended for healing. In these times of unrest, many citizens work tirelessly to aid those who suffer, forming a fragile network of solidarity amidst severe oppression.
