The protests, which began in Iran and Rojhilat, have now entered their 53rd day. Activists say that during the peak of demonstrations on 7–8 January, security forces began directly targeting protesters with live ammunition. Those dates are widely regarded by demonstrators as the start of mass killings, and 17–18 February marked the beginning of the traditional 40-day mourning ceremonies. 

 

Residents took to the streets to honour those who lost their lives during the unrest. In many places, cemeteries became gathering points, where crowds carried photographs of the dead and chanted slogans against the government.

 

Thousands gathered in cities where memorials were held. Many of the ceremonies evolved into renewed protests, with mourners chanting anti-government slogans, including “Death to Khamenei,” as they paid tribute.

 

In Tehran, security forces reportedly sealed off areas around the Sattar Khan bridge near Sadeghieh’s Second Square ahead of planned gatherings on 17 February. Several other squares were also surrounded by armed special units. Local sources said the traditional Sattar Khan bazaar was completely closed. In Dolat Street, motorbike units patrolled the area in an effort to prevent crowds from forming.

 

In Sanandaj and Bukan, hundreds gathered in cemeteries for the 40th-day commemorations. In Shirzad, a district of Bukan, where local sources claim 1,404 people were killed during the protests, mourners assembled at gravesides and chanted slogans against the authorities.

 

In Abdanan, in Ilam province – a city that has become symbolic during the protests – further memorials were planned, including cemetery gatherings and marches through the city. However, security forces reportedly imposed a heavy presence from early morning, monitoring the city both on the ground and from the air. Local sources said forces opened fire on people attempting to commemorate Sarfaraz Alireza Sayidi, who was killed during the protests. Reports claimed that one person was shot dead in the incident, although this could not be independently verified.

 

Protests continued into the night in Abdanan city centre, with marches and slogans reported.

 

In Zanjan, a memorial was held at the graveside of 17-year-old Javid Rezaei, who was killed during demonstrations on 8 January. Family members, friends and many local residents attended.

 

In Isfahan province, large commemorations were also reported. In the central district of Najafabad, hundreds joined a procession to cemeteries, chanting slogans as they marched.