As of Friday, at least 76 killed in Iran protests

As of Friday, according to a human rights group, at least 76 people had been killed amid nationwide protests in Iran following the death of a woman who was in government custody for wearing her hijab incorrectly.

Iran Human Rights, a watchdog organization based out of Norway, reported that the protests have seen a death toll of 76 people killed by Iranian law enforcement since the demonstrations began on September 17.

The violent backlash from the Iranian government over the protests has raised eyebrows across the world when it comes to human rights, with video footage showing Iranian Guard members opening fire in the midst of crowds of protesters. Other videos show them using water hoses and tear gas to quell the angry demonstrators.

IHR Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam told BBC, “The risk of torture and ill-treatment of protesters is serious and the use of live ammunition against protesters is an international crime. The world must defend the Iranian people’s demands for their fundamental rights.”

The protesters have called for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down from power, along with the rest of the oppressive clerical government. Hundreds of people, including journalists, have been arrested in over 46 cities across the country.

The Iranian government is only reporting 41 people dead, including members of law enforcement. In a further attempt to control the narrative, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday it had formally summoned the Ambassador to the United Kingdom to discuss the coverage of the protests in British media, accusing London-based outlets of creating a hostile environment.

The Biden administration has denounced the Iranian government’s treatment of the protesters. Speaking in front of the United Nations General Assembly last week, he said, “Today, we stand with the brave citizens and the brave women of Iran who right now are demonstrating to secure their basic rights.”