Among the victims are 4,714 protesters, 42 minors, 207 members of the security forces and 39 bystanders
A human rights group based in the United States announced, this Friday (23), that it was able to confirm that more than 5,000 people died during the recent protests in Iran, and that, for the most part, they were civilians killed by security forces. NGOs monitoring the toll left by the repression of the biggest demonstrations organized in Iran in years indicated that their work was made difficult by the internet shutdown imposed by the authorities since January 8, and warned that the real number was probably much higher.
This Friday, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), based in the United States, announced that it had confirmed the deaths of 5,002 people; including 4,714 protesters, 42 minors, 207 members of the security forces and 39 bystanders. However, the group added that it was still investigating another 9,787 possible deaths.
At least 26,852 people were detained, according to the same organization, whose toll exceeds the only one released to date by the Iranian authorities, of 3,117 dead. The body that communicated this assessment on Wednesday is the Iranian Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans, which distinguishes between “martyrs” — members of the security forces or innocent bystanders — and “rioters” supported by the United States. Of the 3,117 people killed, according to the foundation, 2,427 were “martyrs”.
When releasing its own report, HRANA indicated that the Iranian authorities “tried to support the official government narrative regarding the killings”. Another NGO, Iran Human Rights (IHR), based in Norway, said it had documented the deaths of at least 3,428 protesters at the hands of security forces, but warned that the final number could be around 25,000 deaths.
US President Donald Trump has threatened new military action against Tehran in response to the crackdown, warning in particular of consequences if protesters are executed. The White House indicated on January 15 that “800 executions that were scheduled and expected to be carried out” on January 14 “have been suspended” after pressure from Washington.
*With information from AFP
