Around 5,000 people died as a result of the repression of the wave of protests in Iran. The information was released this Sunday (18) by an Iranian government source to the Reuters news agency. The group Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) also confirmed the number.
The protests have lasted for more than 20 days. The demonstrations began after the worsening of the economic crisis and the cost of living. The movement began to demand the end of the ayatollahs’ regime, in power for more than 40 years.
The regime imposes severe repressive laws. The restrictions mainly affect women. Since then, security forces have responded with increasing violence. Reports indicate that police and military personnel fired at protesters.
The repression provoked an immediate international reaction. United States President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran. The statement reactivated historic tensions between the two countries.
Since December 28, the country has faced continuous protests. The movement began among traders dissatisfied with the economy. It quickly gained a political character against the theocratic regime established in 1979. The authorities classify the protests as “terrorist” actions. Since January 8, the regime has cut off access to the internet.
Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi said the state response was “firm, dissuasive and swift.” The statements were broadcast on state TV.
Supreme leader holds US responsible for deaths in Iran protests
The Iranian government denies direct responsibility for the deaths. Tehran says protesters provoked the violence. Authorities accuse the United States of infiltrating agents into the protests.
The new balance sheet has not yet received official confirmation. Hrana had previously confirmed 3,308 deaths and had 4,382 cases under analysis. In addition to the deaths, the organization reported 24,000 arrests. The number includes protesters and supporters of the movement. The Iran International channel reported 12 thousand deaths. The broadcaster cited authorities and security sources.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, once again condemned the protests this Saturday (17). He declared that authorities “have an obligation to break the insurgents’ backs.” Khamenei held Donald Trump responsible for the deaths that occurred during the repression.
“We do not intend to lead the country to war, but we will not forgive domestic criminals, just as we will not forgive international criminals, worse than domestic criminals,” he said. “The Iranian nation must break the backs of the insurgents, just as it broke the insurgency,” he added.
Khamenei criticized Trump after threats against Iran. “We consider the American president guilty of the deaths, the damage and the accusations made against the Iranian nation,” said the ayatollah. “This was all an American conspiracy.” He further stated that “the goal of the United States is to devour Iran, to subjugate Iran militarily, politically and economically.”
