The organization reports that among the casualties, 5,777 were demonstrators, while 49 were civilians not involved in the protests.

They further estimate the deaths include 86 children, alongside 214 individuals linked to government forces, following the severe crackdown that commenced late last month.

Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) states that it is currently examining over 17,000 potential fatalities.

“One of the government’s primary strategies for limiting information flow and hindering protest organization has been extensive internet disruptions and shutdowns,” the group noted.

“This tactic has significantly hindered citizens’ access to information, communication with relatives, online services, and independent media outlets,” it added.

In contrast, government officials assert that the total number of deaths stands slightly above 3,000, with 2,427 being civilians and members of security forces.

They have labelled the rest “terrorists”.

In the past, Iran’s theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest.

That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest there in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

– with Associated Press

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