Iranian Members of Parliament have requested the Minister of Intelligence reinstate Basij patrols. This request comes as security forces conduct operations against anti-government protests. According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), 544 individuals, including eight children, have died during anti-government demonstrations over the past 15 days. The Basij is an Iranian paramilitary force frequently deployed by the state to manage protests and unrest.
Who are the Basij?
The Basij, meaning 'mobilization' in Farsi, is a volunteer paramilitary group. It functions as an auxiliary arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite component of the Iranian military. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini established the group shortly after the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Membership and Structure
Basij members are recruited from rural and urban areas, primarily organizing through mosques in major cities like Tehran. Members often originate from lower-income and conservative backgrounds. The Basij operates under the command of the IRGC, which reports directly to Iran's supreme leader.
Role and Functions
The Basij serves as an internal security force. Its objectives include supporting Iran's theocracy and state ideology, and enforcing Islamic morality. The group has historically played a significant role in suppressing dissent and protests for decades.
Historical Involvement
During the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, the Basij conducted 'human wave' attacks. Experts indicate that the Basij's role expanded significantly after 2003, reportedly due to concerns about a potential US-led invasion. Since then, the militia has been deployed during periods of public unrest.
International Sanctions
The US government has imposed sanctions on the Basij force and some of its commanders on multiple occasions. These sanctions cite reasons such as human rights violations, suppression of student protests, and alleged use of child soldiers.
Role in Suppressing Protests
The Basij have consistently participated in efforts to manage popular protests in Iran. Notable instances include:
- Taking a lead role in crowd control during the 2009 protests against the presidential election.
- Involvement in suppressing mass protests in 2022, which followed the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of religious police.
Current Operations
The Basij are currently deployed as part of security forces responding to ongoing protests in Iran. Iranian state media has reported casualties among security personnel, including members of the Basij. The force may also be involved in monitoring online activities related to the protests. The Basij News Agency reported the shutdown of a bloggers' website and social channels, stating that "the arrest of bloggers supporting riot continues."