Iran Protests Result in Significant Casualties Amid Government Crackdown

Casualties Rise in Ongoing Protests

In the last two weeks, approximately 2,000 individuals, including members of the security forces, have lost their lives during anti-government protests in Iran, as reported by an Iranian official on Tuesday.

The unnamed official attributed the violence to “terrorists,” marking the first acknowledgment from authorities regarding the significant death toll amid their crackdown on demonstrators.

Initially sparked by frustrations over soaring inflation, the protests, which began on December 28, have since escalated, with participants in over 100 cities calling for an end to clerical governance.

Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of instigating the unrest. On January 8, the government restricted internet access and phone services, effectively isolating the nation from global communications.

As of Tuesday, reports indicate that restrictions were eased, although text messaging services remained unavailable, and internet access was limited to government-sanctioned sites.

According to the BBC, one protester arrested on January 8 has received a death sentence.

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed his horror at the violent response to the protests, stating that the killing of peaceful demonstrators must cease and condemning the labeling of protesters as ‘terrorists’ as unjustifiable.

Turk also voiced concerns regarding the potential for death sentences for protesters, calling it “extremely worrying.”

In a related statement, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commended the thousands who participated in pro-government rallies, warning American politicians against deceit and emphasizing the strength and awareness of the Iranian populace regarding their adversaries.