JK Rowling lauds 'bravery' of Iran protesters as Harry Potter author praised for message to demonstrators: 'Light in a dark world!'

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that 34 demonstrators and four members of the security forces have lost their lives during the upheaval, whilst approximately 2,200 people have been detained.

BBC Persian has independently verified the identities and deaths of 21 individuals.

The wave of discontent erupted on December 28 when traders in Tehran took to the streets following another dramatic collapse in the rial's value against the dollar.

With annual inflation reaching 40 per cent and food prices climbing above 70 per cent, ordinary Iranians face mounting hardship as international sanctions compound longstanding issues of governmental mismanagement and corruption.

As footage of the protests continues to spread on social media, author Ms Rowling reacted to a video of the demonstrations that had been shared far and wide on X.

The original poster had captioned the video: "The Lion of Iran has awakened.

"Iranians are rejecting Islam, the Islamic Republic, and Sharia Law en masse. I've never been more proud to be Iranian."

Ms Rowling responded to the scenes: "The bravery of these people is astounding. They're light in what lately has felt like a very dark world."

Social media users soon rushed to applaud Ms Rowling for publicly showing her support for those lining the streets in protest.

"Bless you @jk_rowling for boosting the voice of the people of Iran. Love all you do," one X user replied.

A second echoed: "Thank you for amplifying their voices. She is right. They are fighting against the very thing that the West is allowing to grow. The Iranian people are risking their lives to end a true Islamic dictatorship."

And a third added: "THANK YOU for using your platform to raise awareness about Iranians fighting against Islamic Oppression.

"You are my hero for your advocacy on women's rights and standing up for women." (sic)

Several pieces of social media footage captured tense standoffs between crowds and security personnel, with gunfire audible throughout.

Across multiple locations, verified videos showed officers discharging firearms and deploying tear gas against stone-throwing demonstrators.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Malekshahi, western Ilam province, on Saturday, where human rights organisations documented four fatalities after shooting erupted near government buildings.

Amnesty International has accused Revolutionary Guards and police special forces of storming Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, firing tear gas inside, and assaulting medical staff treating wounded protesters.

The country's Vice President, Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah, has stated that President Masoud Pezeshkian had ordered that peaceful demonstrators face no security measures.

"Those who carry firearms, knives and machetes and who attack police stations and military sites are rioters, and we must distinguish protesters from rioters," he added.

Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that those deemed rioters would face swift prosecution to serve as a deterrent.

President Donald Trump's warnings of American intervention have added a unique dimension to the crisis, with the US leader declaring his country "locked and loaded" should security forces continue killing peaceful protesters.

The current unrest represents the most extensive protests since the 2022 uprising following Mahsa Amini's death in custody, which resulted in over 550 deaths.