Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Iran Protests and Savak's Shadow
People in Iran are protesting because they are unhappy with the government and the economic situation.
These protests have brought attention to Savak, a secret police force that worked for the Shah before the Islamic Revolution.
Savak was known for being very harsh and was dissolved after the revolution.
The protests have also reminded people of the time when Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran.
Recently, a former head of Savak faced a lawsuit in the US for the things he did in the past.
Iran is experiencing widespread protests due to an economic crisis and government dissatisfaction.
Savak, the Shah-era secret police, was notorious for arresting, torturing, and executing dissidents.
Savak was dissolved after the 1978-79 Islamic Revolution and Khomeini's return to Iran.
Savak's tactics included surveillance, intimidation, and political repression, making it widely hated.
In 2025, a former head of Savak faced a $225-million lawsuit in Florida for atrocities committed under the Shah's regime.
- Who
- Iranian protesters, Savak, Shah's regime, Ayatollah Khomeini
- What
- Protests, Savak's history, Khomeini's return, Savak's operations
- When
- Ongoing protests, Savak active until 1978-79, Khomeini returned in 1979, Savak in news in 2025
- Where
- Iran, Florida (for 2025 lawsuit)
- Why
- Economic crisis, government dissatisfaction, historical context of repression
- Protest Cause
- Economic crisis and government dissatisfaction
- Savak
- Shah-era secret police, notorious for repression
- Savak Dissolution
- After the 1978-79 Islamic Revolution
- Khomeini's Return
- February 1, 1979, after Shah's exile
- Savak's Structure
- Modeled after CIA and FBI, focused on intelligence and security
- Savak's Tactics
- Surveillance, intimidation, political repression
- Savak's Demise
- Attacked during the revolution, dissolved after Khomeini's return
- Savak in 2025
- Former head faced a $225-million lawsuit in Florida
Sources
Why fall of Ayatollah would neither mean liberalism nor revival of Zoroastrianism for Iran – Firstpost
Hear the roar: Iran is demolishing a multitude of certitudes - Telegraph India
What Is Savak? A Look At Iran's Dreaded Shah-Era Secret Police Amid Protests
