They show up at the first signs of protest in Iran — men in black, riding motorcycles, often wielding guns, or batons.
They are members of what’s known as the Basij, paramilitary volunteers who are fiercely loyal to the Islamic Republic. The shock troops of the ayatollahs have taken on a leading role in quashing dissent for more than two decades.
During the latest protests, which erupted after a young woman died in the custody of the country’s morality police last month, the Basij (ba-SEEJ’) have deployed in major cities, attacking and detaining protesters, who in many cases have fought back.
For decades Iran’s regime has implored its population to fight for freedom, justice, and dignity for Palestinians, while denying them these same rights at home. Today in Tehran, crowds gathering on “Palestine street” chant “Mullahs get lost” pic.twitter.com/FZitlyezwr
— Karim Sadjadpour (@ksadjadpour) October 12, 2022
