This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made a significant concession in the wake of the November 2019 protests, ordering that victims be treated as 'martyrs'.
His decision, announced on December 4, 2019, comes after a report on the protests was commissioned from Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
According to Khamenei's official website, he ordered that the report's recommendations be implemented as soon as possible.
Iran has faced criticism over its handling of the protests, which erupted on November 15 after a surprise hike in fuel prices.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have reported high death tolls, with at least 208 people confirmed dead.
However, Iran has dismissed these claims as 'utter lies', confirming only five deaths - four security force personnel and one civilian.
Under Khamenei's new directive, families of those killed during the protests will be eligible for support from the Martyrs and Veterans Foundation.
The foundation provides financial benefits, better housing, employment, and education opportunities to the families of soldiers killed on duty.
Even families of those killed while armed and in clashes with security forces will be shown 'Islamic clemency' and compensated proportionally, according to Khamenei's statement.
President Hassan Rouhani acknowledged on December 4, 2019, that 'innocents' could be among those imprisoned in waves of mass arrests during and after the protests.
