David Muir was back hosting ABC’s World News Tonight on Tuesday as he shared an update on the ‘violent crackdown on protestors’ which is taking place across Iran
David Muir viewers were shocked by the news(Image: ABC News/Youtube)
David Muir viewers are calling on world leaders to help Iran as more than 2,000 protestors are reported to have been killed.
Anti-regime protests have swept the country, with thousands of demonstrators having been killed in a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. Human rights advocates fear executions could take place within days, as Iran’s violent suppression of the protests has allegedly seen at least 2,571 people killed.
Donald Trump has called on people in Iran to “keep protesting” and said “help is on its way.” However, the 79-year-old president didn’t share any details about what that would entail. ABC journalist David Muir shared an update on the situation in Iran as he hosted World News Tonight on Tuesday, January 13.
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The 52-year-old began, “Breaking news tonight out of Iran at this hour, the violent crackdown on protestors there taking a chilling turn. Tonight, a young Iranian man now reportedly among thousands facing possible execution as early as tomorrow.”
Muir continued, “Tonight, President Trump urging Iranians to quote, ‘Keep protesting and take over your institutions if possible.’ And ABC News just moments ago reaching the family of this young Iranian man tonight and what they’re now saying about their loved one potentially being targeted.”
David Muir shared an update on Iran(Image: ABC News/Youtube)
He then handed over to ABC Chief Foreign Correspondent Ian Pannell, who was reporting from the region. A picture of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani flashed on screen as Pannell said, “Tonight, this is a picture of the young Iranian facing imminent execution, according to activists.”
Pannell continued, “Soltani, into sports and fashion. An Iranian non-profit sharing this image seen around the world. He’s among more than 10,000 arrested, with fears the first wave of executions could start tomorrow.”
Videos were played of the protests in Iran. Pannell said, “Tonight, President Trump warning if the regime starts hanging people, we’ll take very strong action, vowing, help is on the way.”
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Speaking at a press conference, Donald Trump urged, “To all Iranian patriots, keep protesting, take over your institutions if possible. And save the name of the killers and the abusers that are abusing you.”
Pannell shared, “The death toll surging. Human rights groups saying at least 2,000 killed and U.S. officials expecting it to be even higher. New videos emerging online, despite a near-total communications blackout, showing street clashes between an unarmed crowd and state officers in the western city of Urmia.”
The reporter continued, “For the first time tonight, state control media acknowledging the high death toll, calling the protestors terrorists, showing video of the destruction – burned out cars and buildings.”
A picture of Erfan Soltani was shown on screen(Image: ABC News/Youtube)
Reporting live, Pannell said, “David, we just heard from a relative of that young man, Erfan Soltani, who’s facing execution, telling ABC News he’s such a kind soul and so compassionate to people.” The relatives said none of the accusations against Soltani are true.
A clip of the broadcast was shared on ABC’s Instagram with the caption, “A young Iranian man is facing imminent execution after being arrested during the regime’s crackdown on protesters. Pres. Trump says the U.S. will take “very strong action” if Iran starts hanging protesters, and vowed help is on the way. @pannell.ian reports.”
ABC viewers rushed to the comments to share their thoughts on what’s happening in Iran. Many viewers simply begged, “Free Iran.”
Ian Pannell spoke to Soltani’s family(Image: ABC News/Youtube)
“Please help Iranian REVOLUTION and being our voice,” one person pleased as a third questioned, “Where are the other leaders of the world?? Why are they silent?”
“Thank you ABC news,” another viewer praised. “Please share the truth, stand with the people of Iran and be their voice!” Someone else echoed, “Thank you ABC for picking this up! I very much appreciate you getting behind the good people of Iran, who desperately need our help!”