Iran’s Human Rights group announced that at least 76 protesters were killed by security forces during the protests, which entered its 11th day in Iran.
Officials at Iran’s Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based organization, accused the government of using disproportionate force and real ammunition to suppress opposition.
State media said the death toll had risen to 41, including multiple security guards, and blamed “rebels”.
Hundreds of people, including 20 journalists, were arrested.
“The risk of torture and ill-treatment of protesters is very serious. The use of real ammunition against protesters is an international crime. The world must defend the demands of the Iranian people for their fundamental rights,” said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.
The UN human rights office also said it was very concerned by the authorities’ violent response and urged them to respect the right to peaceful protest.
Anti-government demonstrations have spread to more than 80 cities and towns across Iran since Mahsa Amini’s funeral on September 17.
