Iran: Protests spread to over 26 provinces as rights groups report rising death toll

ISLAMABAD: At least 20 people, including three children, have been killed during anti-government protests across Iran, according to the United Nations and international human rights groups, as demonstrations over soaring prices and economic stagnation spread nationwide.

Death toll and casualties
Several international human rights organizations, including the UN, have documented multiple casualties during the protests.

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), a Norway-based organization, confirmed at least 19 protesters' deaths from gunfire and violence by security forces across seven provinces during the first week of unrest.

The group reported that authorities deployed military-grade weapons, including AK-47 rifles, to suppress demonstrators, with one particularly deadly incident occurring on January 3 in Malekshahi County, Ilam Province, where five protesters were killed by live ammunition.

Meanwhile, the UN reported at least 20 deaths, including three children, with hundreds detained.

Protests spread across the country
While a UN spokesperson reported that demonstrations had occurred in a "large majority of Iranian provinces," AFP documented demonstrations in at least 45 cities spanning 23 provinces.

Meanwhile, other international media outlets reported broader participation, with protests reaching approximately 250 separate locations across the country.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), through its Iranian service Radio Farda, provided the most comprehensive tally as of January 6, reporting that protests had extended to at least 78 cities and 222 locations across 26 of Iran's 31 provinces.

Iranian state-affiliated media outlets, including Fars News Agency and Mizan News Agency, have also reported on the protests. Describing the protests as "limited" or "sporadic," these outlets reported demonstrations in several Tehran districts, including Narmak, Tehransar, and Naziabad, as well as in other cities such as Lordegan, Azna, and Qom.

UN chief urges caution
Earlier, on Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Iranian authorities to respect demonstrators’ right to protest peacefully.

The UN chief "underscores the need to prevent any further casualties," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. "He also calls on the authorities to uphold the right of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly," and that "all individuals must be allowed to protest peacefully and express their grievances."