This archive report was first published on 25 November 2019.
Iran's brutal crackdown on protests has left a trail of bloodshed, with at least 143 demonstrators killed since November 15, according to Amnesty International.
Amnesty International, a London-based human rights group, has been investigating the deaths and has found that the majority of them resulted from the use of firearms. In a statement, the group said, "According to credible reports, those killed include at least 143 people. The deaths have resulted almost entirely from the use of firearms."
While one person reportedly died after inhaling tear gas and another after being beaten, Amnesty International believes that the death toll is significantly higher and is still investigating.
Amnesty International has called for the international community to condemn the bloodshed, saying that the current response is "woefully inadequate." Philip Luther, the group's research and advocacy head for the Middle East, said, "The international community's cautious and muted response to the unlawful killing of protesters is woefully inadequate. They must condemn these killings in the strongest possible terms and describe these events for what they are -- the deadly and wholly unwarranted use of force to crush dissent."
Verified videos show security forces deliberately shooting unarmed protesters from a short distance, with some protesters being shot while running away. In some cases, security forces were seen shooting from rooftops, with the crackdown being carried out by police, Revolutionary Guards, and the Basij paramilitary force, among others.
