The Death Toll From A Crackdown On Protests In Iran Jumps To At Least 2,571, Activists Say

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Nationwide death toll protests in Iran Activists said the number exceeded 2,500 after Iranians made phone calls abroad for the first time since Tuesday after authorities cut off communications with Iran. a print about the demonstrators.

The death toll rose to at least 2,571 early Wednesday, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. The figure dwarfs the number of deaths in any protest or unrest in Iran in decades and is reminiscent of the chaos surrounding the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iranian state television made the first official statement about the deaths, citing an official who said there were “many martyrs” in the country and that the death toll had not been announced before due to the terrible injuries of the dead. However, this statement came after activists reported the death toll.

The demonstrations began just over two weeks ago out of anger at Iran’s ailing economy and soon took aim at the theocracy, particularly 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Images obtained by The Associated Press from demonstrations in Tehran on Tuesday showed graffiti and slogans calling for Khamenei’s death, something that could carry a capital punishment.

Shortly after the new death toll was made public, US President Donald Trump He wrote on the Truth Social platform: “Iranian Patriots, CONTINUE TO PROTEST, TAKE YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!”

He added: “I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON THE WAY.”

But hours later, Trump told reporters that his administration was waiting for an accurate report on the number of protesters killed before acting “accordingly.”

Trump said of Iranian security forces: “It seems to me that they are engaging in bad behavior, but that has not been confirmed.”

While Iranian officials once again warned Trump not to take action, Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani responded to the US’s attitude as follows: “We are announcing the names of the real killers of the Iranian people: 1- Trump 2-” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The activist group said 2,403 of those killed were protesters and 147 were government-related. 12 children were killed, as well as nine civilians who he said did not participate in the protests. More than 18,100 people were detained, the group said.

With the internet shutdown in Iran, it has become even more difficult to measure demonstrations coming from abroad. AP failed evaluate the fee independently. The Iranian government did not release overall casualty figures.

Skylar Thompson of the Human Rights Activists News Agency told the AP that the new death toll was shocking, especially since it was four times the death toll. months-long 2022 Mahsa Amini protests in just two weeks.

He warned that the death toll would still rise: “We are horrified but still think the figure is conservative.”

Speaking by phone for the first time since their talks with the outside world were cut off, Iranian witnesses described intense security measures in the center of Tehran, government buildings burned, ATMs destroyed and a small number of passers-by. Meanwhile, people were worried about what would happen next, including the possibility of a US attack.

“My customers are talking about Trump’s reaction while wondering whether he is planning a military attack on the Islamic Republic,” said shopkeeper Mahmud, who only gave his name out of concern for his safety. “I don’t expect Trump or any other foreign country to care about the interests of Iranians.”

Taxi driver Reza, who only gave his name, said the protests were on many people’s minds. “People, especially young people, are desperate but they are talking about continuing the protests,” he said.

Several people in Tehran were able to call the AP and speak to a journalist on Tuesday. The AP office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, could not call these numbers back. Witnesses said text messaging was still turned off and internet users in Iran were able to connect to government-approved websites locally but there is nothing abroad.

According to witnesses, riot police officers wore helmets and body armor and carried batons, shields, shotguns and tear gas grenades. Police kept watch at important intersections. Witnesses saw the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force carrying firearms and batons nearby. Security guards in plainclothes were seen in public spaces.

Eyewitnesses said that many banks and government offices were burned during the events. He added that banks have difficulty completing transactions without the internet.

Although pedestrian traffic was low in the capital, stores were open. Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where demonstrations started on December 28 over the devaluation of the Iranian rial currency, opened on Tuesday. An eyewitness said he spoke to several shopkeepers and security forces instructed them to reopen the shops no matter what. Iranian state media did not accept this order.

The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

It was also revealed that security personnel searched Starlink terminals after people in northern Tehran reported authorities raiding apartment buildings with satellite dishes. Although satellite television antennas are illegal, many people in the capital have them at home and authorities have generally given up on enforcing the law in recent years.

People on the streets were also seen challenging plainclothes security guards who randomly stopped passersby.

State television also read a statement that morgue and mortuary services are free; This is a signal that during the crackdown some were likely demanding high fees for the release of the bodies.

Khamenei, A statement by state television praised the tens of thousands of people who took part in pro-government demonstrations across the country on Monday.

“This was a warning to American politicians to stop their deception and not trust treacherous mercenaries,” he said. “The Iranian nation is strong and powerful and aware of the enemy.”

On Monday, State TV broadcast the slogans of the crowd, whose number reached tens of thousands. “Death to America!” They chanted “Death to Israel!” Others shouted “Death to the enemies of God!” he shouted. Iran’s attorney general has warned that anyone who participates in the protests will be considered “enemies of God” and punished with the death penalty.