Rights Group Says Thousands Killed During Iran’s Crackdown on Nationwide Protests

An Iran based rights monitoring group reported on January 27 that Iranian security forces killed thousands of people during the nationwide protests that erupted in recent years, offering one of the most comprehensive tallies to date of the government response to unrest. The figures were released by the Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has tracked deaths, arrests and injuries linked to demonstrations across the country.

According to the group’s findings, at least 5,700 people were killed during the crackdown, including protesters, bystanders and minors. The report said deaths were recorded across multiple provinces, with the highest numbers in areas that saw prolonged demonstrations and heavy security deployments.

The protests initially began over social and economic grievances and later expanded into broader demands for political and social change. Rights groups said security forces used live ammunition, mass arrests and sweeping internet restrictions to suppress the unrest.

Iranian authorities have disputed casualty figures published by activist groups, stating that security forces acted to maintain public order and blaming violence on what they describe as foreign backed unrest. Independent verification has remained difficult due to limited access for international observers and media.

The report renewed calls from international human rights organizations for accountability, independent investigations and the release of detainees. Several governments and the United Nations have previously urged Iran to uphold its human rights obligations and allow transparent monitoring of the situation.