IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, DECEMBER 9
Mass protester arrests and detentions are likely impacting protest turnout.
Some social media users voiced skepticism of groups purporting to represent local protest organizations on social media, reflecting the complex information environment in which dissidents are operating.
The Iranian regime may exploit the death of a Sunni cleric to crack down on acts of dissidence in Sistan and Baluchistan Province.
At least eight protests took place in seven cities across five provinces on December 9.
Several senior Iranian officials endorsed death penalties for arrested protesters and described executions as an effective means to discourage protest activity on December 9.
The Iranian Special Clerical Court sentenced Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s niece Farideh Moradkhani to three years in prison on unknown charges.
Senior US officials stated that Russia is providing an unprecedented level of military and technical support to Iran in exchange for Iranian-made weapons systems.
Iran is reportedly smuggling weapons to Lebanon through the Beirut International Airport in order to bypass blocked routes through Syria.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-9
The Iranian regime is using protester executions to instill terror among the population.
The regime's disrespectful handling of the bodies of dead protesters could further inflame popular resentment.
Prominent Iraqi Shia cleric and spiritual leader Ali al Sistani reportedly expressed concern about “the situation in Iran and the Shia religion,” according to reformist Iranian cleric Mohammad Ashrafi Esfahani.
At least 15 protests took place in nine cities across nine provinces.
The Karaj Neighborhood Youth seemed to successfully coordinate demonstrations.
Deputy Interior Minister for Security and Law Enforcement Majid Mir Ahmadi stated that over 20,000 security officers have been injured in the protests.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-10