Iran protests leave six security members dead, dozens detained

(MENAFN) Anti-government demonstrations in Iran have intensified, leaving six security personnel dead and leading to the detention of dozens of protesters, according to reports. The unrest, driven by worsening economic conditions and the sharp decline of the Iranian rial, has spread across multiple cities since late December.

Officials stated that the fatalities occurred in Kermanshah province, while security forces carried out raids that resulted in the arrest of around 200 protest organizers and the seizure of weapons.

Police chief Ahmad Reza Radan emphasized that operations against what he described as rioters had been stepped up, declaring: “With proper coordination between security and law enforcement forces, the level of confrontation with rioters has been upgraded.” He added that those arrested “will face punishment after completing legal procedures.”

Radan also claimed that forensic evidence showed most victims died from knife wounds, suggesting that “trained and directed elements” were responsible, not security forces.

Medical sources, however, reported far higher casualties. A doctor in Tehran, speaking anonymously, said six hospitals in the capital had documented “at least 217 protester deaths, most by live ammunition.”

The protests began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and have since expanded nationwide, marking one of the most serious waves of unrest in recent years.

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