A rights group says Iran has committed a ‘mass killing’ of protesters, with hundreds feared dead, as the government orders counter-rallies.
PARIS: A rights group has accused Iranian authorities of committing a “mass killing” in a crackdown on the biggest protests in years.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) said it confirmed at least 192 protester deaths but warned the actual toll could be several hundred or more.
The protests, initially over living costs, have evolved into a movement against the theocratic system.
They represent a major challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86.
Protests have continued despite an internet blackout lasting over 72 hours, according to monitor Netblocks.
“Unverified reports indicate that at least several hundreds, and according to some sources, more than 2,000 people may have been killed,” said IHR.
The group denounced a “mass killing” and a “major international crime against the people of Iran”.
Authenticated video showed dozens of bodies wrapped in black bags outside a morgue south of Tehran.
President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Iran’s arch-foes of “trying to escalate this unrest”.
State TV aired images of burning buildings and funeral processions for slain security personnel.
Tehran governor Mohammad-Sadegh Motamedian insisted “the number of protests is decreasing”.
The government declared three days of national mourning for “martyrs” including security forces.
It described the fight against “riots” as an “Iranian national resistance battle against America and the Zionist regime”.
Pezeshkian urged people to join a “national resistance march” on Monday to denounce the violence.
IHR estimates more than 2,600 protesters have been arrested since the demonstrations began.
Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s ousted shah, said he was prepared to return to lead a democratic transition.
An AFP journalist described Tehran as being in a state of near paralysis.
The price of meat has nearly doubled, and many shops are forced to close early amid security deployments.
US President Donald Trump has voiced support for the protests and threatened military action.
Iran’s parliament speaker said the country would hit back, making US military and shipping “legitimate targets”.
