Iran protesters reportedly killed by guards who say deaths occurred during a riot

Activists and an Iranian-born athlete say detained protesters were executed in custody and then recorded by prison guards as having died during a riot; the government has said thousands died during the wider crackdown.

Activists have reported that some protesters detained during nationwide unrest were killed while in custody and later recorded by prison guards as having died during riot-related incidents. An Iranian-born Olympic athlete shared an account from a Tehran-based lawyer saying there were no trials or investigations for those deaths. The government has provided its own casualty estimates for the wider unrest. Communications into and out of the country have been limited by a widespread internet blackout. Key known facts: - Activists and a lawyer reportedly told an athlete that some detainees were executed in custody and that deaths were registered by prison staff as having occurred on earlier days. - The account cited a lack of trial or investigation and described coroners confirming deaths for past days. - The Iranian government has given casualty estimates in the thousands for the broader crackdown, while some opposition sources report higher figures. - A widespread internet blackout has been reported, and international organisations have expressed concern about alleged rights abuses. Summary: The reports allege extrajudicial deaths in custody amid a broader and violent government crackdown that authorities say has caused thousands of deaths. Undetermined at this time.