Grieving families in Iran are expressing outrage after reports surfaced that they were offered a mere £28 gift card as compensation for the loss of their loved ones during recent protests. In a troubling display of insensitivity, representatives from the Revolutionary Guards and local officials allegedly visited homes in Golestan Province, delivering a folder containing a certificate of appreciation along with one or two gift cards valued at 50 million rial (approximately £28).
Witnesses speaking to the news outlet Iran International described these visits as a coordinated effort to silence families and dissuade them from publicizing their grief or pursuing legal action regarding the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths. The families reportedly felt that the gesture was not only humiliating but also an attempt by the government to buy their silence regarding the ongoing unrest.
The protests have been fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the Iranian regime, triggered by economic challenges and calls for greater freedoms. As the situation escalated, the verified death toll has tragically risen, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting at least 7,005 fatalities, which includes 214 members of government forces.
Government’s Economic Relief Plan Criticized
In the wake of the protests, the Iranian government attempted to quell dissent by introducing an “economic relief” plan, which included offering citizens a monthly sum of £5 in vouchers. This initiative was announced in January by President Masoud Pezeshkian, who framed it as a response to the protests against clerical rule and the nation’s struggling economy. He stated, “Any problems or shortcomings in society are a direct result of actions – therefore, it is essential that stakeholders and implementers are involved in all aspects of decision-making.”
Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of direct engagement with the public, suggesting that understanding citizens’ concerns and criticisms is vital for alleviating social pressures. He asserted that “society cannot be appeased or calmed through coercion or improper methods,” yet many remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to genuine reform.
With the death toll rising and public discontent mounting, many families are left grappling with their loss while feeling unheard and marginalized. The offer of a £28 gift card stands as a stark reminder of the government’s approach to handling the aftermath of its crackdown on protests, deepening the sense of betrayal felt by those who have lost loved ones.
