Hub Podcasts Iran regime's 47th anniversary marred by mass protester killings
Feb 12, 2026
Kaveh Shahrooz, lawyer and human rights activist who advised Global Affairs Canada on human rights. He describes the regime's violent playbook, internet blackouts and mass protest crackdown. He discusses opposition leadership dynamics, calls for sporting pariah measures, and criticizes Canada’s response to IRGC-linked actors living here.
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Regime Performs Controlled Appeasement
- The regime uses reformist politicians to feign listening while preserving the system's power.
- Kaveh Shahrooz says this tactic frames protesters as rioters to justify violence and blame outsiders.
Early January Crackdown Described
- Kaveh Shahrooz recounts an early-January surge of protests met with heavy military-style weaponry.
- He reports many were killed and the regime forced people off the streets, leaving simmering anger.
Internet Cuts Hide Repression
- The regime follows a repeatable playbook including internet blackouts to stifle coordination and hide abuses.
- Shahrooz says this enables repression and delays external awareness of mass killings.