Death toll in Iran protest crackdown rises to 29 - rights group
At least 29 protesters have been killed and more than 1,200 people arrested during nine days of nationwide protests in Iran, US-based human rights group HRANA reported on Monday.
At least 29 protesters have been killed and more than 1,200 people arrested during nine days of nationwide protests in Iran, US-based human rights group HRANA reported on Monday.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency said it had confirmed the deaths of seven protesters over the past 24 hours, including people killed in Azna, Marvdasht and Qorveh.
Of the 29 confirmed fatalities, two were members of Iran’s security forces. At least 64 protesters were also reported wounded, mainly by pellet and plastic bullets.
Iran International has independently identified 21 victims so far through interviews with relatives and friends.
Protests and strikes continued nationwide for a ninth day despite an intensified security presence and the use of live ammunition in some areas.
Verified data show that demonstrations, street rallies or labor strikes took place in at least 257 locations across 88 cities in 27 provinces. Protests were also reported at 17 universities, HRANA said
The report added that at least 1,203 protesters have been arrested so far, though the actual number is believed to be higher.
Mass arrests were reported in cities including Bojnord, Qazvin, Isfahan, Tehran, and Babol, with students among those detained.
HRANA said internet disruptions, security restrictions, and limited access to independent sources continue to hinder full verification of casualties and arrests.
Videos and eyewitness accounts received by Iran International showed security forces opening fire on protesters in several locations, most notably in Malekshahi, a city in Ilam province, where state-linked media confirmed multiple deaths following clashes.
Based on information shared with Iran International, during protests in Malekshahi at least five protesters were killed by direct fire from security forces, and around 30 others were wounded.
Footage from the city showed wounded protesters and scenes of chaos after live ammunition was used.
Overall, at least 15 protesters and one member of the security forces have been reported killed during seven days of demonstrations, according to rights group HRANA.
Iran International was able to confirm that dozens more were wounded by live fire or pellet guns, while arrests were reported across several provinces.
The unrest, initially driven by economic grievances, has increasingly taken on a political character, with protesters chanting slogans against clerical rule and the Supreme Leader, as well as calling for a return of monarchy.
Demonstrations were reported in major cities as well as smaller provincial centers, despite heavy security deployments and warnings from authorities.
In his first public remarks since the protests began, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described participants as “rioters” and called for their suppression, signaling a hardening official stance as the unrest entered its second week.