Protests in Iran are silenced as rights groups count the dead amid internet blackout

Human-rights groups report more than 4,000 verified deaths while an internet shutdown that began Jan. 8 has limited independent verification; Iranian state media and the supreme leader have also said the toll runs in the thousands.

Rights groups and activists are working to document deaths after a violent government crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran. Non-governmental organizations report more than 4,000 verified deaths, while Iranian state media and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have said the toll runs in the thousands. An internet shutdown that began on Jan. 8 has limited outside verification, though some satellite services have allowed intermittent reporting. Rights groups have also reported threats or announcements of executions and varied international reactions. Key confirmed facts: - Several NGOs report more than 4,000 verified protesters dead. - Iranian state television and the supreme leader have described casualties in the thousands. - A nationwide internet shutdown since Jan. 8 has restricted independent verification; some people have reported using satellite connections to send information. - Visible protests have largely been quelled and the government remains in place, while rights groups report threats of executions. Summary: The reported death toll, the shutdown of internet services, and disrupted reporting have made it difficult to fully assess the scale and consequences of the crackdown. The government has largely suppressed visible protests and remains intact. Undetermined at this time.