It's no secret that social media's played an important – maybe even historic – role in the Iran election protests that have swept the nation into discord and disarray. Many social media companies have made a contribution towards opening the flow of communication within and out of Iran, YouTube (
) included.
As we reported earlier this week, thousands of Iran-related videos are being uploaded to YouTube every day, revealing first-hand accounts of the crisis to the world. Some are incredible, some are eye-opening, and other shock you to your very core. We've included ten of these incredible videos, in a chronological order that helps provide context to the crisis in Iran. Be prepared, for these videos can evoke some very strong emotions:
1. Saturday, June 13th
This was one of the first Iran election protests videos to be spread around the web. Translate, the video's title is "Saturday 23 June." In actuality, this video was taken on Saturday, June 13th in what we believe to be Tehran.
2. June 13th: Riot in tehran streets after election day
This now well-known video has over 400,000 views. You can see the green masks of the Mousavi movement onn clear display.
3. June 13th: BBC – Protest against Iran election results
The BBC was on top of the Iran crisis. This popular video is an incredible on-the-ground report.
4. June 14th: Iranians protest against election results, police intervene
This is one of the first videos that shows the police getting involved in breaking up the crowds that formed not long after the elections. There are cries, screaming, running, burning wreckage, and many angry citizens.
5. June 14th: Iran Election Protest in Paris
The protests have not just been inside of Iran. There have been demonstrations in cities across the world in support of Mousavi's Green Movement. This well-produced video comes out of Paris.
6. June 17: Protesting in Silence – Tehran
Silence.
7. June 19th: Poem for the Rooftops of Iran
From the video's description: "A woman speaking about the state of her country while filming the rooftop shouting of "Allah-o Akbar" in Iran on Friday June 19th"
The poem and the background noise make this video evoke emotions that are unlike most of the other videos coming out of Iran.
8. June 20th: Basij Milita have opened fire into crowds
This unedited video from the BBC is a display of how the violence has escalated in all of Iran.
9. June 20: Wounded Girl Dying [GRAPHIC CONTENT]
WARNING: The following video is very graphic, disturbing, and involves the death of an Iranian woman.
DO NOT WATCH unless you feel capable AND are old enough.
Nevermind the crisis in Iran – this is one of the most brutal videos I have ever seen in my life. That is why I have provided multiple warnings about this one, but I feel that it is important to include it for several reasons:
- Social media is raw, and that YouTube allows you to get the uncensored version of things. We cannot be blind to that fact.
- This is, in my mind, the most incredible of all the videos coming out of Iran.
- Sometimes, you have to see everything to really understand what's going on. Things are very, very bad in Iran, period.
With all of that said, this video is just gut-wrenching.
10. June 20th: Tehran Tazahorat
You can't help but be amazed by the sheer number of people in the streets. This video has been passed around a lot recently in social circles, and for good reason. It's incredible, just like all of the videos here.
YouTube shows us a progression
As I built this post, I saw a progression of events through the video. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good one. It puts on display escalating violence, mayhem, and turmoil. Iran is a nation in chaos, and as we monitor the situation, we must realize that social tools provide us with unfettered access to the situation. Sometimes, that access can be disturbing. The flip side though is that we can truly know what's going on in Iran. This way, we really stay informed.
If you have more videos from Iran, we encourage you to share them within in the comments, or to just share your thoughts on these videos.
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