On the fifth anniversary of the November 2019 uprising, political prisoners in Qezel Hesar who have endured years of harsh conditions and mistreatment, held a commemoration in memory of the killed protesters. Chants such as “The uprising and resolve of November (Aban) chart Iran’s path forward” and “November continues, even if bullets rain on us day and night,” reportedly echoed outside the prison and resonated with residents in the vicinity.
Some slogans shouted by the prisoners included “November, the month of blood; Seyed Ali [Khamenei] will fall,” and “Death to the dictator,” These protests show that the November 2019 uprising is still important and the results are still unfolding within Iran’s politics.
In the run-up to the anniversary, the regime’s fear of renewed dissent could be observed. The execution rates have gone up tenfold from what they were three decades ago, alongside targeted arrests and heavy sentences in connection with accusations of support for opposition groups like PMOI/MEK. These are a reflection of the regime’s attempt to suppress dissent and the enduring determination of those fighting for justice and freedom.
Historical Background
On November 15, 2019, Iran witnessed a historic uprising triggered by a sudden spike in gasoline prices. What began as protests against economic grievances quickly sprang into nationwide demonstrations of political change. Demonstrations covered over 200 cities in all 31 provinces, as protesters chanted slogans such as “Death to the Dictator” and “Death to Khamenei,” demanding the end of corruption and authoritarianism.
The regime’s answer came in the form of extreme repression, labeling the protesters as enemies: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered a brutal crackdown. In a matter of days, security forces had killed at least 1,500 people, according to Amnesty International, while thousands more were injured or arrested. Many detainees are tortured and held in dire conditions. In Mahshahr alone, at least 100 people were killed-after being cornered in a marsh and targeted with heavy machine guns.
The regime imposed a near-total internet blackout in an attempt to stifle information about the protests, silencing the voices of its citizens and obstructing global awareness of the crackdown. Despite that, it drew international condemnation everywhere, with the United Nations and human rights organizations documenting severe abuses of human rights.
The November 2019 uprising has forever marked Iranian society. Today, the survivors remain victims of continuous repression, as families mourn the loss of loved ones. The anniversary is a sad reminder of the sacrifices and also of the courage of those demanding justice and democracy for Iran.
