#اعتراضات_ایران (Iran Protests) documents Iran’s recurring protest movements (2017-2023), from economic demonstrations to Mahsa Amini protests, as Iranians navigate internet shutdowns, government repression, and social media activism to organize and share their struggles globally.
December 2017-2018 Protests
Iran’s first major social media-documented protests began December 2017 in Mashhad over economic hardships, spreading to 80+ cities. Unlike 2009 Green Movement (limited to Tehran’s middle class), these protests originated in provincial working-class cities. The Persian hashtag emerged as Iranians shared videos of demonstrations, chants against regime, and security force responses. Government implemented internet shutdowns but couldn’t completely silence social media documentation reaching global audiences.
2019-2022 Waves
Gas price protests (November 2019) triggered deadliest crackdown (1,500+ killed per Amnesty International). Internet was shut down for days, but footage leaked afterward documented mass killings. Water protests (2021), economic hardship demonstrations (2022) followed similar patterns—grassroots organizing via encrypted apps (Telegram, Instagram), documentation despite risks, and international solidarity through hashtag sharing.
Mahsa Amini Movement (2022)
September 2022 death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in morality police custody sparked Iran’s largest protests since 1979 revolution. “Woman, Life, Freedom” (ژن، ژیان، ئازادی) became rallying cry. Young Iranians, especially women removing hijabs publicly, used social media to share protest videos despite government blocking Instagram/WhatsApp. The hashtag documented brutal crackdowns, executions of protesters, and sustained resistance. International celebrities and activists amplified Iranian voices, though government portrayed protests as foreign-instigated.