Verified reports confirm Iranian security forces removed wounded protesters from hospitals, violating international medical care rights, as the death toll from nationwide protests remains disputed amid an ongoing internet blackout.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
1. United Nations Special Rapporteur Mai Sato reported that Iranian security forces have removed wounded protesters from hospitals, detaining them and demanding ransoms of $5,000–$7,000 for bodies. Medical staff in multiple provinces, including Tehran and Rasht, confirmed these actions.
2. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed 5,848 deaths, including 5,520 protesters, 77 minors, and 209 security personnel, with another 17,091 fatalities under investigation. Iran’s official toll stands at 3,100, mostly security personnel.
Deeper Dive & Context
Violent Crackdown and Internet Blackout
Protests erupted in late December over economic grievances but escalated into anti-government demonstrations. The deadliest nights occurred on January 8–9, following calls for nationwide protests by exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi. Verified videos show bodies piled in Tehran’s Tehranpars Hospital and snipers on rooftops.
Iran imposed a near-total internet blackout on January 8, hindering documentation of the crackdown. Monitoring group Netblocks reported the shutdown obscures the scale of violence, with gaps tightened to suppress dissent.
Disputed Death Toll and International Response
Iranian authorities claim most deaths were security personnel or bystanders killed by "rioters." However, rights groups like Iran Human Rights (IHR) warn the toll could exceed 25,000. The UN and medical staff have condemned the crackdown as a violation of international law.
Journalist Fatemeh Jamalpour noted the regime issued shoot-to-kill orders to security forces, marking a sharp escalation in violence. Health officials reported shortages of body bags due to the high death toll.
Ongoing Investigations and Implications
HRANA’s tally includes verified deaths by name and location, but the group emphasizes the true toll may be higher due to the internet blackout. The Iranian mission in Geneva has not responded to requests for comment.
The protests, now subdued, have drawn international condemnation, with activists and NGOs calling for accountability amid reports of mass arrests and detentions.