Protests, counter-rallies shake Iran for third week

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Anti-government demonstrations continue for a third week as internet remains cut off.
Reports indicate more than 500 protesters and over 100 security personnel killed.

Protests over economic conditions and political repression continued across several Iranian cities for a third week, despite a nationwide internet blackout. Demonstrators clashed with security forces while counter-protests in support of the government also took place.

Rising casualties

Human rights monitoring site Herana released footage showing dozens of bodies of protesters stacked in the forensic building in Kahrizak, Tehran province. The site estimated that up to 250 bodies were being identified by families.

Since December 28, over 10,600 people have reportedly been arrested. Herana confirmed the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, while other reports indicate the death toll may exceed 500.

State-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported that 109 members of security forces and police were killed during clashes across several regions.

Internet blackout and workarounds

The internet has been cut off for more than four days, according to NetBlocks, a non-governmental network monitoring group. Some Iranians have reportedly resorted to using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service to access the web.

Pro-government demonstrations

In parallel, state media reported pro-government rallies in multiple cities, including Isfahan, Rasht, Kerman, Birjand, Arak, and Tehran. Participants waved the national flag and held prayers for security personnel who were killed, blaming “rioters” for their deaths.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the large turnout in support of the Islamic Republic serves as a “warning” to the United States, where former President Donald Trump had threatened military intervention if the crackdown continued.

The Iranian government declared three days of national mourning for the protesters and security personnel who lost their lives during the unrest.