Inside Iran’s Protest Movement: How the Youth Are Fighting Back

Iran’s youth are at the forefront of a growing resistance movement, defying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regime’s oppressive rule. In recent years, students, young workers, and activists have played a crucial role in nationwide protests, risking their lives to demand freedom, democracy, and an end to government corruption. From classroom walkouts and labor strikes to social media activism and street demonstrations, Iran’s youth are leading a revolution. But the IRGC’s brutal crackdowns, mass arrests, and online censorship threaten to silence them.

This report examines the youth-led protest movement in Iran, the IRGC’s repressive tactics, and how the global community can support Iranian youth in their fight for freedom.

1. Why Are Iran’s Youth Protesting?

A. The Death of Mahsa Amini and the “Women, Life, Freedom” Movement

 • In September 2022, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, was killed by the morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly.”

 • Her death sparked nationwide protests, with young people demanding an end to gender discrimination and government oppression.

 • The movement evolved into the largest uprising in Iran since the 1979 revolution, with the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom”.

B. Economic Hardship and Unemployment

 • Youth unemployment in Iran is over 30%, with many unable to afford basic necessities due to corruption and mismanagement.

 • The IRGC’s control of the economy has blocked opportunities for young professionals, forcing many to leave the country or protest for change.

C. Internet Censorship and Lack of Freedom

 • Iran’s government blocks access to social media and independent news to suppress dissent.

 • Young Iranians use VPNs, encrypted apps, and underground networks to share information and coordinate protests.

Iran’s youth are demanding fundamental change, not just reforms, and they are willing to risk everything to achieve it.

2. How the Youth Are Fighting Back

Iranian youth are using multiple forms of resistance, including street protests, digital activism, and underground movements.

A. Street Protests and Direct Action

 • High school and university students have led nationwide school walkouts and strikes.

 • Protesters have burned government symbols, blocked roads, and confronted security forces.

 • Nighttime chants from rooftops have become a new form of silent resistance, showing widespread defiance.

B. Social Media and Digital Resistance

 • Activists use Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram to spread videos of police brutality and mobilize global support.

 • Hacktivist groups like “Edalat-e Ali” have leaked IRGC documents exposing corruption and human rights abuses.

 • Online campaigns like #StopIRGC and #MahsaAmini have helped raise international awareness.

C. Underground Resistance Networks

 • Secret student networks organize protests, distribute anti-regime literature, and expose government lies.

 • Women have removed their hijabs in public spaces, defying laws despite threats of arrest.

 • Artists and musicians have used graffiti, underground concerts, and digital art to spread messages of resistance.

Iran’s youth are using modern tools and strategies to outmaneuver the regime, proving that their fight for freedom is unstoppable.

3. The IRGC’s Brutal Crackdown on Protesters

A. Mass Arrests and Torture

 • The IRGC has arrested thousands of students, journalists, and young protesters, many of whom face severe torture and long prison sentences.

 • Detainees report beatings, sexual violence, and forced confessions in IRGC-controlled prisons.

 • Many arrested youth are never seen again, as Iran continues to forcibly disappear dissidents.

B. Violent Crackdowns on Protests

 • The IRGC and Basij forces use live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons against peaceful demonstrators.

 • The regime has killed hundreds of protesters, many of them teenagers and university students.

• Schools and universities have been raided by security forces, with students beaten and detained.

C. Targeting Families of Protesters

 • The IRGC harasses and imprisons the families of activists to silence dissent.

 • Parents of killed protesters are forced to make false confessions on state TV or face imprisonment themselves.

 • Many families are denied the right to hold funerals, with bodies of murdered protesters being stolen by the regime.

Despite these brutal tactics, Iranian youth continue to resist, showing unprecedented courage against state terror.

4. The Global Response: How the World Can Support Iran’s Youth

A. Recognizing and Condemning IRGC Crimes

 • The United Nations and human rights organizations must hold the IRGC accountable for crimes against Iranian youth.

 • Governments should expel Iranian diplomats linked to the regime’s intelligence operations.

B. Sanctions Against IRGC Leaders

 • The EU, UK, and Canada must fully designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

 • Sanctions should be expanded to target Iranian officials responsible for ordering violence against protesters.

 • Nations should freeze IRGC-linked assets to cut off funding for repression.

C. Supporting Internet Freedom and Secure Communication

 • Provide VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, and satellite internet to Iranian activists.

 • Tech companies must block IRGC-affiliated accounts spreading disinformation.

 • Support Persian-language independent news outlets reporting on the protests.

D. Protecting Iranian Activists and Refugees

 • Offer asylum and legal protection for Iranian activists and journalists facing persecution.

 • Provide humanitarian aid to families of detained or killed protesters.

The world must stand with Iran’s youth and ensure their sacrifices lead to lasting change.

 Conclusion: Iran’s Youth Are Leading a Revolution

Iran’s youth are not just protesting economic hardship or political repression—they are demanding a complete transformation of the country. Their courage, resilience, and creativity in the face of IRGC brutality have made them the biggest threat to the regime’s survival.