13.01.2026 10:27
Protests that began due to economic issues in Iran continue on their 16th day, with the death toll rising to 646. Footage from the neighboring country shows that body bags can no longer fit in hospitals and that the sidewalks are filled with lifeless bodies. The videos and photos circulated have led to comments suggesting that the death toll in the ongoing protests may be much higher than officially reported.
As mass protests that began on December 28 in Iran in response to rising living costs have turned into anti-government demonstrations, the U.S.-based civil society organization Iran Human Rights Activists (HRA) shared the latest data on the toll of the protests with the public.
THE DEATH TOLL HAS RISE TO 646
In a statement from HRA, it was noted that the number of people who lost their lives in the protests has risen to at least 646, including 505 protesters, 133 soldiers and law enforcement personnel, 7 civilians who did not participate in the protests, and 1 prosecutor, with the statement saying, "Among them are 9 children."
THE NUMBER OF DETAINEES HAS REACHED 10,721
It was reported that the number of people arrested during the protests has reached 10,721, with the statement saying, "Protests that spread to 606 points in 187 cities of Iran continue despite the complete disruption of communication."
"THE TOLL COULD BE MUCH HEAVIER"
Recent images from the neighboring country have led to claims that the number of people who lost their lives in the protests could be much higher.
THEY LINED UP THE BODIES SIDE BY SIDE
Images from Iran showed that body bags can no longer fit in hospitals and that lifeless bodies were lined up side by side on the sidewalks in front of hospitals.
PROTESTS IN IRAN
Protests that began on December 28, 2025, initiated by shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran due to the significant depreciation of the local currency against foreign currencies and economic issues, spread to many cities across the country. While no official statement has been made regarding the dead or injured in the protests, the Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported today in a report published on the 16th day of the protests that 646 people, including 133 security personnel and one prosecutor, and 9 under the age of 18, have lost their lives, and 10,721 people have been detained. Following an increase in violent incidents and police intervention during the protests, internet access was cut off nationwide on January 9.