Filmmaker Sepideh Farsi on Iran Protests, U.S. Military Threats, and Preventing Bloodshed

Iranian Protests and Government Crackdown

• 💔 The situation in Iran is described as a total disaster, with security forces rounding up thousands of people to prevent renewed anti-government protests.
• 📈 Latest estimates suggest over 6,000 protesters have been killed since December, with some believing this to be a vast undercount.
• 🏥 Tens of thousands are reported injured, with many losing eyes, and thousands more are being arrested or interrogated, including doctors and lawyers.

Eyewitness Account of Rasht Massacre

• 🎯 A rare eyewitness account details a massacre in Rasht, Iran, where security forces allegedly killed dozens of protesters on January 8th.
• 🏃‍♀️ The witness describes being shot twice while trying to escape through alleys, with forces tracking down and killing those who fled.
• 💥 Machine guns were reportedly used on people taking shelter in a bazaar, resulting in a "rain of bullets."

Criticism of U.S. Military Intervention Threats

• ⚠️ Filmmaker Sepideh Farsi expresses deep concern over possible U.S. military intervention, stating it would only worsen the situation.
• 📉 She recalls that previous U.S. and Israeli actions reinforced the regime rather than ending its nuclear capacities or harming its leadership.
• 💰 Farsi believes President Trump's interest in military action is for "business" and not for the benefit of the Iranian people.

Calls for Diplomatic Pressure and Iranian Agency

• 🌍 Farsi urges the U.S. and other countries to leave the situation to the Iranian people to resolve.
• 🤝 She advocates for maximum diplomatic pressure, such as freezing assets of the IRGC, which has been listed as a terrorist organization by the European Council.
• 🕊️ A democratic Iran is seen as the best partner for other countries, emphasizing that military attacks are not in the interest of the Iranian people.