Rights groups warn of a ‘massacre’ in Iran as the protest death toll reaches 192, with internet blackouts and reports of hospitals overwhelmed
PARIS: At least 192 protesters have been killed in Iran’s biggest anti-government movement in over three years, a rights group said.
The Norway-based Iran Human Rights organisation confirmed the toll on Sunday, warning the actual number “may be even more extensive than we currently imagine”.
Protests initially sparked by anger over the rising cost of living have evolved into a broader movement against the theocratic system.
The mass rallies represent one of the biggest challenges to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule in years.
Demonstrations have continued despite an internet blackout lasting more than 60 hours, according to monitor Netblocks.
Activists warn the shutdown is limiting information flow and obscuring the true scale of casualties.
Videos verified by AFP showed large crowds protesting in Tehran and Mashhad on Saturday night, with images of vehicles set alight.
Unverified videos circulating online allegedly showed relatives identifying protesters’ bodies in a Tehran morgue.
The US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran said it received reports “indicating that hundreds of protesters have been killed across Iran”.
“A massacre is unfolding in Iran,” the group stated, urging the world to “act now to prevent further loss of life”.
It reported hospitals were “overwhelmed”, blood supplies were running low, and many protesters were shot in the eyes deliberately.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency confirmed 116 deaths, including 37 security force members or officials.
Iranian state TV broadcast funeral processions for security forces killed, with authorities condemning “riots” and “vandalism”.
National police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan announced “significant” arrests of protest figures on Saturday night.
Security chief Ali Larijani distinguished between economic protests, which he called “understandable”, and “riots” resembling “terrorist groups” methods.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said “rioters” must not disrupt society and called for public trust in the government’s pursuit of justice.
An AFP journalist in Tehran described a city in a state of near paralysis, with many shops closed early due to security deployments.
The price of meat has nearly doubled since the protests began over two weeks ago.
Exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi called for protesters to continue, stating, “Do not abandon the streets.”
US President Donald Trump voiced support for the protests and threatened military action if Iranian authorities “start killing people”.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged the EU to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a “terrorist organisation”.
He also expressed Israel’s support for the Iranian people’s “struggle for freedom”.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the US that its military and shipping would be “legitimate targets” if attacked.
He also appeared to reference Israel, which Iran considers occupied Palestinian territory.
