The false show of freedom and the bloody reality of repression

The false display of freedom in the media is in stark contrast to the bloody reality of the repression of people on the streets and at checkpoints.

What is happening in Iran these days is no longer a simple contradiction, but a clear and organized duality; a calculated show to deceive public opinion abroad and ruthless repression at home.

While state-affiliated media outlets publish images of women without the hijab or wearing different types of clothing to suggest that there are no restrictions, the reality on the streets is something else. At checkpoints, the same government uses violence and threats to stop and humiliate people for their clothing, cell phones, and even simple protest.

This contradiction becomes more apparent when government gatherings, by playing music and even performing programs with the atmosphere of Lebanese concerts, attempt to present a free and unproblematic image of the social situation. But the people who are present at these events are mainly from circles loyal to the government; a controlled scene, to send a false message: "There is no problem." Behind this staging, however, there is a reality that is written with blood and fear.

In recent days, there have been reports of civilians being killed at checkpoints. One of these cases involved a young man who was killed by direct fire. In another incident, a young man suffered a heart attack and died instantly after clashing with security forces at a checkpoint and using a taser. The families of these victims not only lack access to justice, but have also been pressured and threatened into silence.

Checkpoints, which have been widely established in various cities, have effectively become tools of public intimidation; unprovoked stops, searches of mobile phones, derogatory remarks about the hijab, and violent encounters are part of the daily experience of citizens.

Meanwhile, the presence of forces affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard Corps is only part of the story. Reports indicate that proxy forces from regional countries, including Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, have also been added to this cycle of repression; a presence that has further reinforced the people's sense of insecurity and occupation.

Even simple protests by citizens did not go unanswered. In one case, a family who simply requested the removal of disturbing forces from their home due to the cardiac and cerebral emergency of their sick father who was hospitalized at home were met with serious accusations, threats, and violence. The confrontations did not end there, and took the intimidation to another level when masked forces attacked the family’s residence.

This cycle of repression has been repeated for years: "Shows for the outside, pressure for the inside. The image of freedom alongside the reality of control and violence."

What is most questionable, however, is the silence or indifference of the international community to this apparent contradiction. The world sees these images, hears the narratives, but in many cases fails to respond appropriately.

The truth cannot be hidden forever. This gap between image and truth has become so deep that it can no longer be covered by even the most extensive propaganda machine. What remains are the people who pay the price of this lie every day with their safety, dignity, and even their lives.