The protests in Iran are turning deadly, but the human rights activists are still counting the fatalities in the dark, where a nationwide internet blackout is preventing the truth from coming to light. The protests against the government, which were ignited by the sharp rise in prices and the collapse of the economy that started on December 28, 2025, are not only being held in Tehran and Kermanshah but have gone as far as 27 provinces, with the government’s strong forces trying to repress them.
Increasing the Force of Violence
The HRANA organization was able to list the deaths of 65 protesters by January 10, 2026, with nine of them being children, and about 2,300 people were arrested. On January 8, the hospitals of Tehran reported 217 deaths caused by live bullets, machine-gun fire close to police stations, and raids; many of the young victims were shot as soon as they were seen. Monitors report that security forces have lost 21 personnel in the fighting, while the IRGC and Basij bases were attacked by mobs.
The Role of Internet Blackout
The government imposed a near-total shutdown starting January 8 that made the identification of the dead almost impossible and the organization of protests very difficult. Video clips showing gunshots driving away people outside the Grand Bazaar of Tehran and the Kurdish areas were smuggled; doctors told of wards that were already full and refusing to take in wounded people. Supreme Leader Khamenei called the demonstrators “rioters” supported by Trump and promised to show no mercy.
The Response of the Regime
Tehran’s prosecutor threatened to impose death penalties; pro-government demonstrations were held, but with very small attendance. The chief of the UN human rights department characterized the killings as “deeply disturbing” and called for restraint, while the Hengaw and Amnesty organizations were confirming pellet wounds, executions, and child deaths.
Resonance around the World
The U.S. labeled the raids on hospitals as crimes against humanity. The protests are putting a strain on the clerical regime that is already suffering from U.S. sanctions, and there is the possibility of a major uprising if the power cut is lifted.
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