This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Iran's government has cracked down on protests with an 'iron fist,' resulting in over 100 reported deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to Amnesty International.
Protests erupted across the country on Friday in response to a sudden increase in gasoline prices, which has ignited widespread anger amid an economic crisis that Iran's president has called the worst in 40 years.
Iran's security forces have moved swiftly to quash the protests, imposing a near-complete shutdown of the internet on Sunday in an effort to limit protesters' ability to organize and share information.
However, the unrest has endured, with some Iranians managing to circumvent the internet shutdown and send out video footage of security forces violently dispersing protesters with firearms, tear gas, and water cannons.
Amnesty International has reviewed video and heard from witnesses in Iran, confirming that its death toll of over 100 protesters is based on 'credible reports.'
Iran's military and intelligence agencies have warned that those participating in the unrest will be severely punished, with some officials calling for the execution of protesters by hanging.
Despite international outcry, Iranian officials have so far resisted calls for a tempered response, with the foreign minister warning countries against supporting the protesters.
