Breaking News: Death toll rises in Iran protests! Over 2,600 dead, 18,470 arrested

As the mass protests that began in Iran on December 28 against the cost of living and quickly turned into anti-government demonstrations continue, the toll is getting heavier by the day. The US-based non-governmental organization Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) has shared current data regarding the protests in the country with the public.

According to the HRA report, the number of people who lost their lives in the demonstrations has risen to at least 2,615. It was reported that 2,435 of those who lost their lives were protesters, and 13 were children under the age of 18. It was stated that 14 civilians who did not participate in the protests also lost their lives in the incidents. Additionally, it was noted that 153 security personnel and pro-government civilians also died.

While it was stated that the organization is continuing its investigation into 882 death cases whose causes have not yet been clarified, it was reported that at least 2,054 people were seriously injured. Information was shared that the protests spread to 187 cities across 31 provinces, and a total of 18,470 people have been arrested in the 617 demonstrations held so far.

DEATH AND INJURY TOLLS ARE RISING

In a statement made by the HRA a day earlier, the number of people who lost their lives in the protests was announced as 2,571, and the number of those arrested as 18,434. The number of injured was stated to be 1,134.

AIRSPACE TEMPORARILY CLOSED

On the other hand, the escalating tension and increasing security concerns in the country have also had an impact on the field of civil aviation. Iran has temporarily closed its airspace to all flights except for pre-authorized international civil flights with a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) it issued.

Within the scope of the issued notice, it was reported that all flights except for previously authorized international civil flights have been stopped. In the NOTAM issued by Iranian authorities, the following statements were included: "The Tehran flight information region is closed to all flights except for civil arrival and departure flights. Prior flight authorization must be obtained from the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran for flights in this region."

News Source: İHA