Oslo, Norway – The Iran Human Rights (IHR), based in Norway, has revealed a shocking toll of victims of the anti-government protests, confirming that at least 192 protesters have been killed since the outbreak of the protest wave 15 days ago, warning of an escalation in the pace of repression coinciding with the country’s digital isolation from the world.
The death toll and the internet blackout
A report issued by the organization on Sunday indicated that among the verified deaths were nine minors under the age of 18. The organization explained that the crackdown has intensified significantly across the country, particularly in the capital, Tehran, amid a complete internet blackout that lasted for more than 60 consecutive hours. The organization warned that the actual figures could be much higher, as it is receiving unconfirmed reports of hundreds of deaths, with some sources even suggesting the toll has exceeded 2,000. However, “the complete internet shutdown and severe restrictions on information make independent verification extremely difficult at present.”
Fears of death sentences
The human rights organization expressed grave concern over threats by Iranian judicial authorities to issue death sentences against protesters detained on charges of “enmity against the enemy.” It issued an urgent appeal to the international community to take immediate action to prevent further extrajudicial killings and halt the threat of mass executions of detainees, whose numbers are estimated at over 2,600 since the protests began.
Worsening internal crisis
As the protests enter their fifteenth day, observers believe that the Islamic Republic is currently facing one of its most serious internal crises in decades, as popular anger expands despite the strict security measures used to contain it.
