Iran Issues First Official Death Toll from Recent Protests, Reports 3,117 Killed

Iranian state television on Wednesday announced the first official death toll from the recent nationwide protests, stating that 3,117 people were killed in the unrest.

The broadcast cited statements from the Interior Ministry and the Martyrs Foundation, a government body that assists families of those killed in wars, which reported that among the dead, 2,427 were civilians and security forces who died during demonstrations that began on December 28. No details were provided regarding the remaining casualties.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported a significantly higher toll, estimating at least 4,560 deaths. The agency, which maintains a network of activists within Iran to verify casualty reports.

The Associated Press noted that it has not been able to independently verify the death toll from the protests.