Casualty Estimates Vary Widely
UK Report Says 330,000 Injured in Iran Protests
Horrific video footage is trickling out of Iran, showing us that what we feared was true, and was even worse than we suspected. And when the internet blackout ends, we will know even more about the atrocities committed.
A network of Iranian doctors has reported that at least 330,000 to 360,000 protesters have been injured during the ongoing anti-regime demonstrations in Iran, according to a report in The Sunday Times.
The same sources estimate 16,500 to 18,000 deaths, describing the crackdown as a "genocide under digital darkness" amid an internet blackout imposed since January 8.
The figures come from staff at eight major eye hospitals and 16 emergency departments across Iran, coordinated by Munich-based Iranian-German eye surgeon Professor Amir Parasta, who collected data via smuggled Starlink terminals.
Injuries include extensive eye damage from pellet guns, with 700 to 1,000 people losing an eye and potentially up to 8,000 blinded nationwide.
Most victims are under 30, and the protests, triggered by economic collapse and evolving into demands for regime change, have spread to all 31 provinces since late December.
However, these numbers exceed estimates from other human rights organizations and media outlets. The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) reports at least 2,403 protester deaths as of January 13.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) documented at least 3,428 killings by January 14.
Amnesty International has highlighted mass unlawful killings but has not provided a comprehensive total.
Other reports vary: The New York Times cited fears of up to 3,000 deaths based on witness accounts. CBS News and Iran International estimate over 12,000 dead, with video evidence showing hundreds of bodies at morgues. The Institute for the Study of War notes Western media estimates ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 deaths. Reuters reported more than 500 deaths, while the BBC described hundreds killed or injured, with hospitals overwhelmed.
Iranian authorities have not issued official casualty figures, labeling protesters as "vandals" or "terrorists" and reporting around 100 security personnel deaths.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged thousands killed, calling some deaths "inhuman" and "savage" but attributing blame to the US.
Verification remains difficult due to the communications blackout, restrictions on foreign media, and risks to sources inside the country.
Protesters are stuck in their houses, because they know they could be shot if they leave. They are now protesting by yelling "Death to Khamenei" from within their homes as the world waits for Prewsident Trump to fulfil his promise of 'Help is on the way'.