Iran accused of killing 16,500 protesters, report claims

A medical report seen by The Times claims at least 16,500 protesters were killed and more than 300,000 injured during recent unrest in Iran, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly acknowledged 'several thousands' of deaths and official counts vary.

A medical report seen by The Times claims that at least 16,500 protesters were killed and more than 300,000 were wounded during several weeks of unrest in Iran. The report draws on data provided by hospital staff and emergency departments. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly acknowledged that 'several thousands' died and has blamed armed protesters and foreign interference. Other official and independent counts differ, and communications inside Iran have been restricted. Key details: - The medical report cited in the article was compiled from multiple hospitals and emergency departments and gives a death range of about 16,500 to 18,000 and injury figures up to around 300,000–360,000, as reported. - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly acknowledged 'several thousands' of deaths and attributed violence to armed 'rioters' and foreign actors. - Other sources cited include HRANA, which reported 3,308 deaths with additional cases under review, and an unnamed Iranian official who said at least 5,000 deaths had been verified, including security personnel. - The higher figures in the medical report have not been independently confirmed. Summary: If verified, the figures in the medical report would represent one of the deadliest crackdowns on civilian protest in modern Iranian history. Undetermined at this time.