Jews in Iran arrested by regime forces on suspicion taking part in latest protest wave
No reported injuries or fatalities within Iran's Jewish community amid regime crackdown
After weeks of internet shutdown across Iran, sources close to the Jewish community in Iran said today that several Jews were arrested on suspicion of involvement in protests, KAN Reshet Bet Radio reported.
The community denied any connection to the demonstrations, claiming the arrests were a mistake. Community leaders expressed hope for their imminent release, as efforts continue.
In recent days, rumors have circulated that members of the Jewish community were killed during a crackdown on protests.
Sources told KAN News that, so far, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities within the community, which deliberately avoids demonstrations and seeks to show complete loyalty to the regime.
The Jewish community in Iran is reportedly trying as much as possible to maintain its way of life, including prayers and Torah classes, with synagogues open and schools operating as usual.
Meanwhile, representatives of Iranian minority groups, including the Jewish representative in the Iranian Parliament, Homayoun Sameh, issued a statement of support for the regime and opposition to Israel and the United States in light of the anti-government protests and threats to the ayatollahs’ rule.
The New York Times reported on Sunday that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered the Supreme National Security Council on Jan. 9 to suppress the Iranian protests “by any means necessary.” Senior Iranian officials confirmed that security forces were ordered to “shoot to kill” and show no mercy.
HRANA, a U.S.-based human rights organization tracking developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, released an updated report that sheds light on the human toll of the crackdown on protests.
The data shows an official death toll of 5,459 people, overwhelmingly protesters. Yet this represents only part of the picture: over 17,000 additional deaths are currently under review.
Overall, HRANA estimates that the total number of fatalities linked to the crackdown may be as high as 22,490.
Roi Kais is an Arab Affairs correspondent for Kan 11.
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