Iran rights NGO says at least 45 killed since start of protests in late December

By AFP 8 January 2026, 7:09 pm

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This screengrab taken on January 2, 2026, from UGC images posted on social media, shows protestors attacking a government building in Fasa, in southern Iran, on December 31, 2025, amid spontaneous nationwide protests driven by dissatisfaction at the country's economic stagnation. (UGC / AFP)

Iranian security forces have killed at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, in a crackdown on demonstrations that began in late December, the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights says.

The NGO says Wednesday was the bloodiest day of the now 12-day movement, with 13 protesters confirmed to have been killed.

“The evidence shows that the scope of crackdown is becoming more violent and more extensive every day,” says IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, adding hundreds more have been wounded and over 2,000 arrested.

Media inside Iran and official statements have reported at least 21 people killed, including security forces, since the protests began, according to an AFP tally.