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Iran's Regime Accused of Systematic Torture Amid Protests

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 14:44 GMT by Fox News
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TEHRAN, Iran - As protests continue to rage across Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, a chilling narrative is emerging from former political prisoners: a deeply ingrained system of torture and abuse remains central to the regime's method of control. These accounts, coupled with reports of escalating violence against current protesters, paint a grim picture of a nation gripped by repression and a government seemingly unconcerned with international condemnation.

The stories shared by former prisoners reveal a pattern of systematic abuse extending back decades, suggesting that the current crackdown isn't an anomaly but a continuation of longstanding practices. The torture isn't merely incidental; it's a deliberate strategy to silence dissent, extract information, and instill fear within the population. One former prisoner, speaking anonymously to protect their family still in Iran, described being suspended by their hands for prolonged periods - a tactic designed to inflict excruciating pain and psychological distress. Beyond the physical brutality, prisoners report enduring relentless verbal abuse, intimidation, and psychological manipulation.

These testimonies corroborate disturbing reports surfacing from the ongoing protests. Witnesses on the ground describe Iranian security forces firing directly into crowds, with little to no attempt to conceal their actions. "They're killing protesters in plain sight," a former prisoner told journalists. "There's no attempt to hide it. They're sending a message - that dissent will not be tolerated." This brazen disregard for human life underscores the regime's determination to crush the uprising, even at the cost of widespread bloodshed.

While official figures from organizations like Human Rights Watch currently estimate at least 20 protester deaths and hundreds of arrests, advocates believe these numbers represent a significant undercount. Access to accurate information remains severely restricted within Iran, making it difficult to ascertain the true scale of the violence. The regime's control over the media and internet further complicates efforts to document and verify reports of abuse.

The international community has responded with varying degrees of condemnation. The U.S. State Department has issued statements denouncing the Iranian government's actions, and several international organizations are calling for accountability. The United Nations Human Rights Council is scheduled to hold an emergency session dedicated to the situation in Iran, a move welcomed by human rights activists but viewed with skepticism given the limitations of the UN's influence. Effective action, beyond symbolic gestures, remains elusive.

Defectors from the Iranian government offer further insight into the regime's motivations. A former Iranian diplomat, now residing in the U.S., characterized the government as "built on fear" and willing to employ any means necessary to maintain its power. This underscores a crucial point: the violence isn't simply a reaction to the protests; it's a fundamental component of the regime's survival strategy.

The troubling aspect highlighted by former prisoners is the continuity of these methods. The techniques used today echo those employed during the 1980s, when thousands were executed or imprisoned for opposing the Islamic Republic. This isn't a matter of isolated incidents or rogue actors; it's a systemic issue ingrained within the structure of the Iranian government. While the regime may have refined its tactics over time - incorporating more sophisticated forms of psychological manipulation - the core objective remains the same: to break the will of the population and suppress any challenge to its authority. The psychological torture is often just as damaging, designed to erode a person's identity and spirit, leaving them broken and compliant.

The question now is whether the current crackdown will succeed in silencing the protests. Many fear that it will only exacerbate the situation, fueling further resentment and potentially leading to an even more violent response. The regime's unwavering commitment to repression, combined with its willingness to inflict brutal punishment on those who dare to dissent, suggests that the cycle of violence is likely to continue. A fundamental shift in the regime's approach is needed--one that prioritizes human rights, respects freedom of expression, and engages in meaningful dialogue with its citizens. Without such a transformation, the future for Iran remains bleak, and the stories of torture and repression will continue to haunt the nation for years to come.