Newly verified videos from Iran reveal harrowing scenes of bodies piled in a hospital mortuary and snipers stationed on rooftops, underscoring the brutal crackdown on anti-government protests that have swept the country in recent weeks. The footage, analyzed by BBC Verify, shows at least 31 bodies inside Tehranpars hospital in east Tehran and seven body bags outside, with additional clips capturing armed security forces firing on demonstrators and protesters destroying surveillance cameras.
The protests erupted in late December and intensified on January 8 and 9, following calls for nationwide demonstrations. These dates are believed to be among the deadliest so far, with videos emerging despite a near-total internet blackout imposed by authorities. Human rights groups report that nearly 6,000 people have been confirmed killed, primarily protesters, and investigations are ongoing for thousands more alleged deaths. Iranian officials claim over 3,100 fatalities, attributing many to security personnel or bystanders attacked by rioters.
BBC Verify has tracked protests across 71 towns and cities, though the true extent is likely greater. In Tehran, videos show hundreds of protesters on a highway before gunfire erupts, causing chaos and screams. In Kerman, armed men in military uniform are seen firing continuously on a road with a small fire burning, while protesters chant in the background. The presence of snipers on buildings in Mashhad has been documented, with one individual shown next to a large rifle on a rooftop.
Protesters have attempted to counter Iran’s surveillance infrastructure by disabling CCTV cameras, as seen in verified footage from the capital where a crowd cheers as a camera is damaged. The internet shutdown since January 8 has severely hampered communication and documentation efforts, though some have used methods like SpaceX’s Starlink and VPNs to briefly access the web. This blackout has exacerbated economic challenges and limited independent verification of events.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) and Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) have provided casualty estimates, with IHR warning the final toll could exceed 25,000. The Iranian government’s narrative contrasts sharply, labeling protesters as rioters and emphasizing casualties among security forces. The leaked videos and photos offer critical evidence of the crackdown’s violence, though the full humanitarian impact remains obscured by restrictions.
International organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for global diplomatic action to address impunity and human rights abuses. As more videos surface in the coming days, they are likely to fuel further outrage and scrutiny. The events highlight the escalating tension between the Iranian state and its citizens, with implications for regional stability and international relations. The ongoing blackout and economic strain suggest the situation may worsen before any resolution emerges.
