In Iran, significant public gatherings took place as citizens commemorated individuals killed during recent protests. Videos verified by AFP showed demonstrators chanting slogans that openly condemned the supreme leader, highlighting a growing discontent with the theocratic regime established after the 1979 Islamic revolution. This outpouring of grief and anger reflects a long-standing struggle against oppressive governance, particularly during commemorative events where emotions run high.

The gatherings in memory of the deceased also coincide with a state-organized commemoration in Tehran, marking 40 days since the violent occurrences on January 8 and 9. While Iranian officials admit that over 3,000 individuals died during the unrest, they attribute the violence to "terrorist acts", which contrasts starkly with the estimates provided by human rights organizations suggesting that the death toll could be significantly higher due to armed crackdowns by security personnel on peaceful demonstrators.

The unrest stems from deep-seated frustration within Iranian society, fuelled by economic hardship and a lack of political freedoms. As citizens demand accountability for the atrocities, the implications of these memorials extend beyond mere remembrance; they symbolize a renewed call for justice and reform, challenging the legitimacy of a government that continues to suppress dissent.