BEIRUT (AP) On January 8, 2026, a 37-year-old beautician joined hundreds of thousands of protesters in Karaj, Iran, challenging the cleric-led theocracy that has ruled the country for nearly 50 years. Amid the protests, as tear gas filled the air and gunfire erupted, she captured the chaos on her phone, crying out, "Don't be afraid!" and leading the crowd in chants against the regime.
Despite this initial show of courage, the beautician has since retreated into a state of fear and anxiety following the violent crackdown on demonstrators. After experiencing the bloodshed firsthand, she moved in with her mother, consumed by a sense of grief and despair. Her reflections indicate a dramatic shift in the atmosphere of Iran, where she perceives people as "walking corpses," devoid of hope for the future.
In the aftermath of the protests, which resulted in a reported death toll of at least 6,854, the beautician conveyed her sense of abandonment by the global community, expressing doubts about the potential for change in Iran's political landscape. She lamented that discussions surrounding Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations felt futile, fearing that the losses endured by protestors would be in vain if the regime remains in power.
On January 8, demonstrators took to the streets across at least 192 cities in Iran's 31 provinces, marking what may have been the largest anti-government rallies since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Women, men, and children of various social and economic backgrounds marched, demanding an end to the oppressive regime. The beautician's videos documented a vibrant atmosphere filled with chants against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, embodying a moment of collective defiance.
Amid the peaceful protest, violence erupted, beginning with police responses that escalated to live ammunition, resulting in numerous casualties. The beautician documented these chaotic scenes, including instances where friends were shot and lives were lost while attempting to aid others. The atmosphere quickly shifted from one of hope to despair, leading her to retreat from public life out of fear of further violence and retaliation.
Since the protests, the beautician has reported a pervasive climate of fear, with many, including herself, unwilling to leave their homes due to anticipated government crackdowns. Despite having previously taken part in protests fueled by incidents like Mahsa Amini's death in 2022, she now finds her ambitions shifting from seeking national change to focusing on her personal safety. The harsh economic realities of Iran, amplified by sanctions and mismanagement, only intensify the frustrations felt by citizens.
As the situation continues to intensify, the beautician's daily life has become a cycle of anxiety and sleepless nights, compounded by a growing sense of hopelessness among those around her. The Iranian populace appears trapped in mourning and anger, fearful of expressing dissent against a regime that shows no signs of mercy.
