Iran reports protest deaths, activists warn toll may be higher

(MENAFN) Iranian authorities stated Wednesday that 3,117 people have been killed during protests that began in late December, though activists warn the actual number could be much higher due to a heavy crackdown.

The demonstrations, initially triggered by economic grievances, quickly evolved into widespread protests against the country’s clerical leadership, which has been in power since the 1979 revolution. Mass protests erupted from January 8, with people taking to the streets across the country.

Authorities have labeled the unrest as a “terrorist” campaign fueled by the United States, describing the events as violent “riots.” Human rights groups, however, claim that thousands of protesters were killed by security forces using direct fire.

The official toll, reported by Iran’s Foundation for Veterans and Martyrs and cited by state television, identified 3,117 deaths. Of these, 2,427—including members of the security forces—are considered “martyrs” under Islamic law, described in the statement as “innocent” victims.

Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, told state television that the remaining 690 deaths were “terrorists, rioters, and those who attacked military sites,” and argued that the high number of martyrs demonstrates the “restraint and tolerance of the security forces.”

Authorities also acknowledged that “many of the martyrs were bystanders” killed during the protests. Monitoring organizations have said attempts to verify casualty figures are hampered by an ongoing Internet blackout, which has lasted over 300 hours according to Netblocks.

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