Members of the Basij Revolutionary Guard militia at a parade. The volunteer militia is regularly used to suppress protests.Image: keystone
January 16, 2026, 11:11 amJanuary 16, 2026, 11:11 am
Security forces of the Islamic Republic have killed thousands of people on the streets of Iran within just a few days. The most conservative estimates currently put the number of deaths at around 3,500.
Iran International – alongside Manoto, the most important Iranian exile television channel – assumes 12,000 deaths. Young people, women and men who protested against the mullahs’ regime all over the country.
An Iranian woman hugs a person killed by regime security forces.Image: Screenshot X
The opposition broadcaster based in London reports furtherthe families of killed demonstrators usually have to pay money for the release of the bodies. Authorities tell relatives they must pay for every bullet fired at those killed. Depending on the case, the regime charges per bullet between 700 million and 2.5 billion riyals – with the current exchange rate these are around 380 to 1380 francs per ball.
The average monthly income of an Iranian worker is less than 80 francs – which means many can hardly afford to buy the bodies of their relatives.
According to Iran International, the authorities have already occasionally demanded money for the return of dead relatives during past protests – but the fact that it is currently so widespread is new.
(rbu)