Economy
Islamic Republic protest death toll could top 30,000
Reports from health officials and rights groups allege Islamic Republic regime's crackdown may have killed tens of thousands, exposing an unprecedented scale of state violence.
![A woman displays spent bullet casings collected during the protests in Tehran on January 8, 2026. Demonstrations began in late December due to economic hardships in Tehran's Grand Bazaar, escalated into political and anti-government protests, resulting in a violent crackdown. [Sasan/Middle East Images via AFP]](/gc3/images/2026/02/05/54451-_64__spent_ammo-370_237.webp)
by Pishtaz |
The Islamic Republic's protest death toll may exceed 30,000, according to accounts attributed to local health officials and cited by international media.
The claims, which the Islamic Republic regime authorities deny, reflect mounting concern among rights groups documenting months of lethal crackdowns nationwide.
Independent verification remains difficult, but multiple sources describe widespread use of deadly force during demonstrations across the country.
Lethal force and expanding casualty estimates
Security forces have repeatedly fired live ammunition at protesters of varying ages, according to videos, witness accounts and rights organizations.
Estimates compiled by activists and researchers in January 2026 suggested between roughly 22,000 and 36,000 deaths nationwide.
Those estimates span clashes in more than 400 cities, reflecting a geographically broad and sustained campaign against dissent.
Two senior Health Ministry officials told Time magazine that about 30,000 people may have been killed during two days of unrest.
The officials, speaking anonymously, said the scale of deaths overwhelmed state systems responsible for transporting and identifying bodies.
They described shortages of body bags and said cargo trucks were used when ambulances became unavailable.
Islamic Republic regime has not released comprehensive casualty figures and rejects accounts provided by foreign media and opposition-linked groups.
State outlets instead blame unrest on foreign interference and describe security actions as necessary responses to violent rioting.
Rights investigators counter that available evidence shows disproportionate and often indiscriminate force against largely unarmed demonstrators.
Executions and abuse in detention
Beyond street violence, the Islamic Republic regime's use of capital punishment has drawn renewed scrutiny amid protest-related prosecutions.
Human rights groups say Islamic Republic remains among the world's leading executioners, with more than 2,000 executions reported in 2025.
Advocates say executions accelerated late in the year, averaging double-digit daily totals during December.
They describe death sentences as tools of intimidation, increasingly imposed on political detainees and marginalized religious minorities.
Campaigners also allege that juvenile offenders have faced capital charges, violating international legal standards that the Islamic Republic has ratified.
Conditions in detention have further alarmed monitors tracking arrests linked to protest activity.
Former detainees and lawyers report systematic torture, sexual abuse and the denial of essential medical treatment.
Authorities deny those allegations and say detainees receive due process and appropriate care under Islamic Republic law.
International observers say credible investigations are needed to assess responsibility and prevent further loss of life.