Basij
The Basij (Persian: بسیج, lit. 'Mobilization'), formally Sâzmân-e Basij-e Mostaz'afin (سازمان بسیج مستضعفین, 'Organization for Mobilization of the Oppressed'), is a paramilitary volunteer militia within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and one of its five branches. Established in the Islamic Republic of Iran in April 1980 by order of Ruhollah Khomeini, the organization serves as a civilian auxiliary group engaged in enforcing state control over society by acting as a morality police force in public settings, organizing pro-government rallies, suppressing dissident gatherings, and providing general social services.