‘Deceived, not enemy soldiers’: Amnesty window open for youth in Iran ‘riots’

Protests erupted across Iran in late December over economic hardship, escalating into anti-regime unrest. Authorities report thousands of deaths, widespread arrests, and violent clashes, particularly in Kurdish regions. Supreme Leader Khamenei vowed harsh punishment, blaming foreign interference. Police offered leniency to “deceived” protesters. While cities show signs of calm and limited internet restoration, tensions and restrictions persist amid continuing government crackdowns.