A Norway-based human rights organization has documented a severe escalation in Iran’s suppression of civilian protests, reporting at least 45 fatalities including eight minors since demonstrations began in late December. Iran Human Rights (IHR), an independent monitoring group, disclosed that Wednesday marked the deadliest single day of the 12-day movement with 13 confirmed protester deaths.
According to IHR Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the evidence indicates a daily expansion in both the violence and geographical scope of the government crackdown. The organization estimates hundreds have sustained injuries while security forces have conducted over 2,000 arrests nationwide.
These figures significantly contrast with official Iranian media reports and government statements, which acknowledge approximately 21 fatalities including security personnel according to Agence France-Presse documentation. The discrepancy highlights the ongoing information warfare surrounding the protests and the government’s restrictive control over domestic media coverage.
The protest movement, now entering its second week, represents one of the most significant challenges to Iranian authorities in recent years. The involvement of minors among the casualties has drawn particular international concern regarding the proportionality of force employed by security services.