An Iranian activist, identified as Shirin, lives in constant fear in Tehran. The 2024 arrest by the secret police triggered PTSD, numbing her left hand. She fears a knock on the door, the sound of bombers, and the return of war.
The regime parades heavily armed women on the streets, while security forces watch dissent closely. Shirin says executions of January uprising detainees have silenced the streets.
Since the war began in February, more than 50,000 are estimated arrested, many held incommunicado. A medic at a Tehran hospital describes a single psychologist covering 26,000 people. The system is overwhelmed by a wave of conflict-related trauma. A psychiatric hospital was also damaged in recent strikes.
Shirin lost her job and faces a suspended prison sentence. Despite the hardship, she says: 'It's okay, I'll even accept prison, but let Iran remain.'