Iran: Over 2,000 killed as anti-government protests worsen

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Anti-government protests in Iran have escalated and left over 2,000 people dead, according to rights groups and security officials.

Protests began in Tehran, the country’s capital, on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian currency, and the protests have since spread to towns and cities nationwide, and turned against the nation’s clerical rulers.

The demonstrations are fuelled by citizens’ complaints of economic hardships blamed on mismanagement, Western sanctions and curbs on freedoms.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it had verified the deaths of 2,003 people during the protests, including 1,850 protesters, 135 government-affiliated individuals, nine people aged under 18, and nine non-protester civilians. Punch