Tehran, Jan. 14 (SANA) Protests in Iran have continued for the 18th day, amid rising casualties and an ongoing internet shutdown. Human rights watchdogs estimate the death toll has surpassed 2,500.
The U.S.-based Iranian Human Rights Agency (HRANA) reported that, by Tuesday evening, 2,550 people had been killed, including 2,403 protesters and 147 security personnel. The agency also documented 1,134 serious injuries and 18,434 arrests. Furthermore, HRANA reported 614 protests across 187 cities in all 31 provinces.
NetBlocks stated that internet services have remained blocked since January 8 and warned that the blackout is obscuring the full scale of the crackdown. Rights activists have noted that Starlink satellite internet services are operating within Iran, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The protests began on December 28 with a strike by Tehran’s Grand Bazaar merchants over the currency collapse and the economic crisis, before spreading nationwide. While Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei blamed foreign actors for the unrest, President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged government responsibility for the economic crisis and said the protests reflect widespread public discontent.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is preparing new sanctions against Iran for suppressing the protests. The EU has summoned Iran’s ambassador to Brussels, and France, Germany, and Denmark have also called in Iranian ambassadors.
The United Nations has expressed concern about the violence. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an immediate end to the violence and the restoration of internet services, as well as accountability. Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric urged for dialogue rather than military escalation.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his comments about considering the use of force against Tehran, while encouraging Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations, assuring them that “help is on the way.”
R.H
