Tehran, Iran. Iranian state television reported on Monday that 3,117 people were killed in a major anti-government protest movement that was brutally suppressed, citing the Iranian War Veterans and Martyrs Foundation. Official media also reported that a security body linked to the Iranian Interior Ministry put the death toll from recent unrest at the same level.
State media and official bodies report toll
State television said that among the dead, 2,427 people, including members of the security forces, were considered “martyrs” in the Islamic meaning of the term because they were described as “innocent” victims, citing a statement from the Foundation.
NGO estimate cited by the UN differs
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), whose figures are cited by the UN, reported that at least 3,428 protesters have been killed and said the toll may exceed 20,000.
What do you think explains the gap between the reported death toll figures?