Thousands of people rally in France in a show of support for demonstrators in Iran who have risked their lives to demand an end to theocratic rule.
The protests in Iran over past weeks are the largest since the “Woman, Life, Freedom” street movement in 2022-2023.
“Woman, Life, Freedom,” chant marchers in the French capital, some holding portraits of deceased Iranian protesters.
“Death to Khamenei,” cry some, in reference to 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Protests also occur in several other French cities.
Norway-based rights group Iran Human Rights (IHR) says it has verified that Iranian security forces have killed 3,428 protesters, but warns the actual toll could be several times higher.
Other estimates place the death toll at more than 5,000 — and possibly as high as 20,000, IHR says.
The opposition Iran International channel, based outside the country, has said at least 12,000 people were killed during the protests, citing senior government and security sources.
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From the Liveblog of
Saturday, January 17, 2026
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