Iran protest crackdown killed more than 36,500, classified documents show
More than 36,500 Iranians were killed by security forces during a nationwide crackdown on protests on January 8 and 9, according to classified government documents and other evidence reviewed by Iran International’s Editorial Board.
The figure, if confirmed, would make the crackdown the deadliest two-day massacre of protesters on record.
Iran International reviewed newly obtained classified reports from Iran’s security agencies, along with field reports and accounts from medical staff, witnesses and families of victims. In a previous statement on January 13, the outlet had reported at least 12,000 deaths.
According to the documents, security forces confronted demonstrators in more than 400 cities and towns, with over 4,000 sites of clashes reported nationwide.
Iran International also reported evidence suggesting that some detainees and wounded protesters were killed without trial.
Images from morgues and hospitals reviewed by the outlet show bodies with gunshot wounds to the head bearing signs of hospitalization, including attached medical tubes and monitoring equipment.
Doctors and nurses who spoke on condition of anonymity said some wounded patients were shot while under medical care.
Interior Ministry documents seen by Iran International showed the death toll rising from at least 27,500 in reports to parliament on January 21 to more than 36,500 in subsequent intelligence reports to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Independent verification remains impossible due to security restrictions and communication limits.
