Politis

Basij: The Iranian Regime's Brutal Paramilitary Force

Published January 12, 2026, 16:17
Basij: The Iranian Regime's Brutal Paramilitary Force

The Basij paramilitary organization, affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guards, is accused of suppressing recent protests in Iran and using violence against demonstrators. The organization, founded in 1979, has played a significant role in enforcing Islamic law and suppressing opposition. Testimonies report that Basij members are responsible for the deaths of protesters, such as Rubina Aminian and Mahdi Zatparvar, who are alleged to have been shot in the head. Basij is accused of torture, sexual abuse, and threats to the families of protesters. Furthermore, it maintains an extensive network of economic activities to finance its operations, which has drawn criticism from the United States.