A Norway-based human rights organization has reported a devastating death toll from Iran’s ongoing suppression of civil protests, with verified fatalities reaching at least 648 individuals. Iran Human Rights (IHR), operating from Oslo, released these figures on Monday, indicating that security forces have employed lethal measures against demonstrators challenging the Islamic republic’s authority.
According to IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the actual number of casualties may significantly exceed current verified counts, with some estimates suggesting potentially more than 6,000 fatalities. The organization emphasized the challenges of accurate documentation due to Tehran’s imposition of a near-total internet blackout lasting approximately four days, which has severely hampered independent verification efforts.
Amiry-Moghaddam stated that the international community bears responsibility for protecting civilian protesters facing systematic violence. The reported crackdown coincides with government efforts to mobilize pro-regime demonstrations nationwide, attempting to counter the protest movement that has created substantial challenges for Iranian authorities.
The internet restrictions have created an information vacuum, making comprehensive assessment of the situation exceptionally difficult for external observers and human rights monitors. The blackout has effectively isolated Iran from global digital networks during this period of civil unrest.
This development represents one of the most severe government responses to civil dissent in recent Iranian history, marking a significant escalation in the confrontation between state authorities and protesters expressing grievances against the established political system.