Who is Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince encouraging demonstrations across Iran?

"The death toll from clashes between protestors and government security forces had reached 116 as of early Sunday, with more than 2,600 people detained, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Among the most prominent cheerleaders for continued action against the government is Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Iran, who has issued frequent messages encouraging protesters."

"The current wave of protests began on Dec. 28, following a collapse in the national currency, the rial, which is currently trading at over 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar and has lost half its value since September. International sanctions have squeezed the economy and the consequent public grievances have prompted direct challenges to Iran's theocracy."

"In response, the government has mobilized security forces and state-controlled media. State television has broadcast pro-government rallies, while at the same time surveillance footage released by the government affiliated Fars news agency depicted a protester in Isfahan allegedly firing a long gun as others lit fires and threw gasoline bombs at what appeared to be a government compound."

As nationwide demonstrations enter their second week, clashes between protesters and security forces have left at least 116 dead and more than 2,600 detained, according to HRANA. Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, has encouraged continued action against the government. Iran's attorney general declared participants in the unrest "enemy of God," warning that even supporters could face a charge that carries the death penalty. The protests began Dec. 28 after the rial collapsed, trading at over 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar and losing half its value since September. International sanctions and economic hardship have fueled public grievances and direct challenges to the theocratic system. The government has mobilized security forces and state-controlled media, and state-affiliated outlets allege arrests of armed "operational terrorist teams."

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