Iran: 76 people killed as authorities crackdown on Mahsa Amini protests

At least 76 protesters are confirmed to have died amid widespread demonstrations in Iran following the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, the Iran Human Rights (IHR) group reported on Monday. 

Over 11 days of unrest, in which protesters have taken to the streets to voice their outrage over Amini’s alleged killing and the state's imposition of strict hijab rules on women, authorities have responded with a ruthless crackdown. 

The Norway-based organisation obtained evidence of security forces routinely using disproportionate force and live ammunition to suppress peaceful protests.

At least six women and four children are among those killed, reported IHR. 

Women waving their compulsory headscarves last night on a popular street in Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province. #IranRevolution #MahsaAmini #OpIran #مهسا_امینی #اعتصابات_سراسری pic.twitter.com/9UbOyrgvde

— IranHumanRights.org (@ICHRI) September 27, 2022

"The risk of torture and ill-treatment of protesters is serious and the use of live ammunition against protesters is an international crime," said IHR Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam. 

"We call on the international community to decisively and unitedly take practical steps to stop the killing and torture of protesters," he added. 

“Death to dictator!
Death to the Islamic Republic!”

Even when they are not on the streets, people use every opportunity to make their voices heard. Tonight in #Tehran’s Shahrake Gharb, protesters shouted from their rooftops and windows.#MahsaAminipic.twitter.com/ubgNcRpnhA

— Iran Human Rights (IHR NGO) (@IHRights) September 27, 2022

Iran's state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) put the death toll at 41 as of Monday, which includes both security forces and protesters. 

Tehran has accused the US of formenting unrest to try to destabilise the country. It has also summoned the British and Norwegian envoys over their countries' condemnations of Iran's crackdown and expressions of support for the protesters. 

Mahsa Amini was visiting Tehran with her brother when she was detained by the so-called morality police for allegedly violating strict codes on female clothing.  

She was taken to Vozara police station and shortly afterward an ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital, where she died a few days later. 

Eyewitnesses said Amini was beaten by officers in a police van and then at a detention centre. 

The 22-year-old's death has prompted thousands in Iran to protest against the state's repression of women and silencing of dissent - in what has been described as grassroots demonstrations led by young people. 

Videos on social media show women and men cutting their hair in solidarity with the protests.

There is also widely shared footage of authorities beating protesters, and individuals being carried away after suffering from serious injuries amid the demonstrations. 

The Iranian newspaper journalist, Niloufar Hamedi, who played an important role in covering Amini’s death has been arrested and is being held in solitary confinement, reported The Times.

#Breaking

Protests continued in many cities last night including Yazd, Bushehr, Tehran, Isfahan and many others. Internet hs been shut down in many areas.

The video showing security forces beating brutality a female protester in #Iran#Mahsa_Aminipic.twitter.com/cr4QEcT2gm

— Sima Sabet | سیما ثابت (@Sima_Sabet) September 27, 2022