Grieving families of individuals killed during protests in Iran have received compensation in the form of £28 gift cards, witnesses report. Officials from the Revolutionary Guards and provincial authorities visited homes in the northern Golestan province, traveling in groups of six to 10 people.
During these visits, the officials warned families against publicizing their stories and presented the government’s version of events surrounding the protests. Prior to departing, they provided a folder containing a certificate of appreciation along with one or two gift cards valued at 50 million rial, equivalent to approximately £28.
Families View Offer as Attempt to Silence Them
Families described the gesture as a humiliating effort to buy their silence and deter potential legal actions over the deaths of their loved ones.
Prior Economic Relief Measures
In January, amid widespread demonstrations against clerical rule and economic woes, the Iranian government introduced monthly vouchers worth £5 per citizen to discourage further protests. This amount matches the average daily salary for a worker in Iran.
President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the economic relief plan, stating: “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.”
He added: “Undoubtedly, direct interaction with the people – listening to their concerns, demands, and criticisms and working to persuade public opinion – plays a key role in reducing psychological and social pressures.”
The president emphasized: “Society cannot be appeased or calmed through coercion or improper methods.”
Confirmed Death Toll Rises
The verified death toll from the protest crackdown exceeds 7,000, with additional fatalities feared. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency records 7,005 deaths, including 214 government forces.
