Iranian security forces leave bodies scattered; 217 killed in protests so far, most shot dead

Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Protests against Iran’s Islamic regime have turned violent, with reports of security forces opening fire at multiple locations. A doctor in Tehran, speaking to Time magazine on condition of anonymity, said that at least 217 protesters have died so far in just six hospitals in the capital. Most of the deaths were reportedly caused by gunfire. However, Time said it could not independently verify these figures.

If the number is accurate, it points to a severe crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran. Since the unrest began, the government has largely shut down internet and telephone services across the country. The protests started on December 28 over economic hardships but have now spread to all 31 provinces, with demonstrators openly demanding the removal of the Islamic regime. Protesters have been raising slogans calling for freedom and condemning dictatorship.

The Tehran-based doctor claimed that as the movement intensified, security forces fired directly at protesters in several areas. On Friday, bodies were removed from hospitals, with many of the dead reported to be young people. In one incident outside a police station in northern Tehran, machine-gun fire allegedly killed several people on the spot and injured at least 30 others. While most protests remained peaceful, incidents of damage to government property were also reported, including claims that Tehran’s Al-Rasool Mosque was set on fire.

Human rights groups have reported lower death figures than the doctor’s claim. According to the Washington-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 63 people have been killed so far, including 49 civilians. Due to strict government control over the media and heavy restrictions on foreign journalists, varying death toll claims continue to emerge.

Iran’s leadership has taken a hard stance. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Islamic Republic would not bow to unrest. Tehran’s public prosecutor warned that protesters could face the death penalty. An official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps urged parents to keep their children away from demonstrations and said complaints should not be filed if they are injured by gunfire.

International reactions have also followed. US President Donald Trump warned the Khamenei-led government of serious consequences if protesters are killed. Iran’s deepening economic crisis, a record low rial against the dollar, water shortages, and power cuts have further fueled public anger.