Iranian protesters on Thursday stepped up their challenge to the clerical leadership with the biggest protests yet of nearly two weeks of rallies, as authorities cut internet access and the death toll from a crackdown mounted. Iranian media and official statements have reported at least 21 people, including security forces, killed since the unrest began, according to an AFP tally. On Wednesday an Iranian police officer was killed west of Tehran trying “to control unrest,” the Fars news agency said. Rights groups have also accused authorities of resorting to tactics including raiding hospitals to detain wounded protesters. “Iran’s security forces have injured and killed both protesters and bystanders,” said Amnesty International, accusing authorities of using “unlawful force.”

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 09, 2026 10:19 UTC