by Fraidy Moser
Protesters gathered in Iran’s largest cemetery, Behesht-e Zahra, on Monday, chanting slogans such as “This year is the year of bloodshed, Seyyed Ali will be overthrown.”
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Over 12,000 people have been killed during the protests in Iran, largely over the course of Thursday and Friday nights, Iran International reported on Tuesday, describing the events as “the largest killing in Iran’s contemporary history.”
These figures are unconfirmed estimates by the outlet. Data from the US-based rights organization HRANA confirms the deaths of 646 people since the outbreak of the demonstrations last month.
Iran International's sources included individuals close to the Supreme National Security Council, two sources within the presidential office, and personnel from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Isfahan. Additional information came from eyewitnesses, families of those killed, field reports, medical center data, and accounts from doctors and nurses in multiple cities.
According to HRANA, as of Sunday, of the 646 people confirmed killed during the protests, 505 were active protesters, nine of whom were children. Additionally, 133 members of the military and law enforcement, one prosecutor, and seven non-protesting civilians have been killed. An further 579 reported deaths are under review.
Authorities have detained at least 10,721 people since the start of the demonstrations, and 97 cases of forced confessions by detainees have been published by official or government-affiliated media, HRANA noted.
Protesters gather in Iran's largest cemetery, chant 'Seyyed Ali will be overthrown'
Also on Monday, Protesters gathered in Iran’s largest cemetery, Behesht-e Zahra, chanting slogans such as “This year is the year of bloodshed, Seyyed Ali will be overthrown,” according to footage published online.
The term "Seyyed Ali" refers to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Reports from Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran show that families of those killed have gathered at burial sites and chanted protest slogans.
This video shows a gathering today of several family members of those killed during the protests at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in #Tehran. The grieving families are chanting slogans such as “This year is the year of bloodshed, Seyyed Ali will be overthrown.”#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/0cyQDxDeT8
— HRANA English (@HRANA_English) January 12, 2026
Iranian officials call international reporting on protests a 'fabricated narrative'
Iranian officials and state media have dismissed international reporting on the protests, calling it a “fabricated narrative” and attributing violence to “foreign elements,” “terrorists,” and “rioters.” Pro-government rallies have also been reported in several cities.
International reactions include condemnation from European governments.
Germany, France, and the UK have strongly condemned the crackdown and called for an immediate halt to violence and the restoration of internet access.
"The Iranian authorities have the responsibility to protect their own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal. We urge the Iranian authorities to exercise restraint, to refrain from violence, and to uphold the fundamental rights of Iran’s citizens," the countries stated.
However, there have been several reports of regime forces deliberately firing at protesters. One video released by HRANA shows an Iranian military officer standing on the back of a moving motorcycle and firing at a group of protesters in an alley. Several other officers later joined him.
A video received by HRANA today shows scenes of military forces firing directly at protesting citizens in Mashhad. According to the content of the video, at first a motorcycle is seen at the scene; an officer positioned on the back of it stands on the vehicle and fires several… pic.twitter.com/V79KOcbeRb
— HRANA English (@HRANA_English) January 13, 2026
The exact recording time of the video is unknown.
The European Parliament restricted entry for Iranian diplomatic staff, while France and Sweden evacuated non-essential embassy personnel or advised citizens to leave Iran. US officials said “various options” are under review but indicated a preference for diplomatic measures.
HRANA said the communications blackout has limited independent documentation of events, and all figures represent minimum verified estimates.
The protests, which began on December 28, continue despite the communications restrictions and rising casualties.
Fraidy Moser
Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-883190
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