Thousands reported dead amid Iran protests

Monday 26 January 2026 - 13:00

By: Sahili Aya

Thousands reported dead amid Iran protests

A U.S.-based NGO has reported that nearly 6,000 people have died in connection with the recent wave of protests in Iran, which erupted earlier this month and were violently suppressed by authorities. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 5,848 deaths have been confirmed, including 5,520 protesters, 77 minors, 209 security personnel, and 42 civilians.

HRANA is also investigating an additional 17,000 possible deaths, highlighting the difficulty in verifying the toll due to an ongoing internet shutdown that began on January 8. The protests, which started in December over economic grievances, escalated rapidly, presenting the Islamic Republic with its most serious challenge since its founding in 1979.

The organization also reported that more than 41,000 people have been arrested during the unrest. Despite the blackout, which limits independent reporting, regime-affiliated sources continue to disseminate official narratives, according to the cybersecurity monitoring group Netblocks.

Official figures released by Iranian authorities indicate 3,117 deaths, primarily classified as “martyrs” including security personnel and bystanders. Other human rights organizations, including Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), have confirmed thousands of protester deaths but suggest the actual number could be far higher, possibly exceeding 25,000. Opposition media outlets have estimated more than 36,000 fatalities.

The ongoing crisis underscores the severe human cost of political unrest in Iran and raises global concerns about accountability and human rights protections.