Iran's Nationwide Protests: Over 4,000 Lives Lost Amidst Government Crackdown
Tragic Toll of Protests in Iran
Dubai: Activists reported on Tuesday that a severe crackdown on protesters in Iran has resulted in the deaths of at least 4,029 individuals.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, which is based in the United States, over 26,000 people have been arrested during this crackdown. The reported fatalities include 3,786 demonstrators, 180 members of security forces, 28 children, and 35 individuals who were not part of the protests.
This agency has a history of accurately reporting on unrest in Iran, relying on a network of local activists to verify each death, and they express concern that the actual death toll may be even higher.
The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify these figures.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, had his invitation to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, rescinded due to the ongoing violence.
Although he received the invitation last fall, the recent civilian casualties in Iran prompted the forum to decide that the Iranian government should not be represented this year.
Araghchi criticized the decision, claiming it was influenced by falsehoods and political pressure from Israel and its supporters in the United States.
Additionally, the Munich Security Conference has also withdrawn its invitation to Iranian officials in light of the crackdown.
While Iranian officials have not provided a specific death count, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged on Saturday that the protests have resulted in several thousand deaths, attributing the blame to the United States.
This was the first acknowledgment from an Iranian leader regarding the scale of casualties from the protests that erupted on December 28, primarily driven by the country's struggling economy.
Statements from officials have raised concerns that some detainees may face execution in Iran, which is known for having one of the highest execution rates globally.
In a statement released on Monday, Iran's president, judiciary chief, and parliament speaker indicated that while those responsible for the violence would be punished, mercy would be shown to individuals who were misled and did not play significant roles in the unrest.