Iran Protests: Khamenei regime blames terrorists for 2000 deaths as opposition claims 12000 casualties

Tehran: Anti-government groups have claimed that more than 12,000 people have been killed during the ongoing Iran protests, amid conflicting statements by the Iranian authorities that around 2,000 have fallen victims to “terrorists”. 

What have the Iran protesters claimed?

Iran International, an opposition-linked website, has claimed that over 12,000 people have been killed by Iranian security forces during the government crackdown on anti-regime protests which have engulfed multiple cities. However, these claims contrast sharply with an estimate shared with the media by the Iranian government, which state that around 2,000 people have killed, blaming “terrorists" for the violence.

How high has the death toll in Iran reached?

Iran International's figure is far higher than any previously reported. Human rights groups and media outlets have reported significantly lower numbers of confirmed deaths. However, they have also stated that independent verification is difficult due to internet blockages and media restrictions inside Iran. 

Iran International has claimed that most of these deaths occurred primarily on the nights of January 8 and 9, due to firing by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij forces. It also states that the firing was deliberate, aimed at killing as many people as possible. 

What led to the killings?

Iran International has also claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij forces carried out the firing on the protesters directly on the orders of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to the report, Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued an order authorizing direct shooting. Iran 
The media outlet said that its estimate of at least 12,000 deaths was derived from data held by Iran's own security institutions. It also stated that the data was compiled and cross-checked with the help of multiple sources.

“This data was examined and verified through multiple stages and in accordance with strict professional standards before being announced," the outlet said, adding that a significant number of those killed were under the age of 30.

“In a country where authorities deliberately restrict access to information, producing an accurate assessment is time-consuming," the report added.