Violence surrounding Iran’s ongoing anti-government protests has reached alarming levels, with more than 500 people reported killed so far. The figures were released on Sunday (January 11) by the U.S.-based human rights organization Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
According to HRANA, at least 490 protesters and 48 members of the security forces have been killed over the past two weeks alone. During the same period, more than 10,600 people have been arrested. The organization said the data was compiled after cross-checking information provided by activists both inside Iran and in the diaspora.
Analysts describe the current unrest as the largest wave of anti-government protests Iran has seen since 2022, posing a renewed and serious challenge to the country’s ruling establishment. The situation has also drawn growing international concern. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that Washington could consider intervention if Iranian authorities continue to use excessive force against demonstrators.
The Iranian government has yet to release any official figures on casualties. Meanwhile, international news agency Reuters noted that it has not been able to independently verify HRANA’s reported numbers.
The protests began on December 28 as demonstrations against rising prices but quickly escalated into a broad-based movement against the government. Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of instigating and fueling the unrest.
Complicating the situation further, Iran has shut down nearly all internet services since last Thursday. The blackout has made it increasingly difficult to obtain reliable information about conditions on the ground.
Source: Reuters.