Kamal Ghorui
Iranian security forces have been accused of executing wounded anti-regime protesters inside hospitals, including patients lying in beds with IV lines and breathing tubes, according to a report by the New York Post. The account alleges that officers entered medical facilities to identify injured demonstrators and shot some of them in the head at close range. One source quoted in the report said some of the victims were “in hospitals, with IV lines or breathing tubes attached to them”, adding that on closer inspection “they were shot in the head”. The source alleged they were “executed — given the final shot — inside the hospital”. Another claimed the killings were taking place “every day”.The report included allegations of sexual violence against detainees. One source alleged that abuse in custody had become so widespread that “some of the detained girls have even asked their families to send them contraceptive pills”. The allegations come against the backdrop of a broad and deadly crackdown on protests that began over economic hardship and the collapse of the rial before expanding into nationwide demonstrations against the government. Activist groups say the unrest has led to thousands of deaths.The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it had documented at least 6,221 people killed, including protesters, members of the security forces and civilians, along with more than 42,000 arrests. Iranian authorities have put the overall death toll significantly lower, at 3,117, and describe many of those killed as “terrorists”. Independent verification has been hampered by a near-total internet blackout.Eyewitnesses who spoke to AFP earlier described security forces firing rifles and shotguns at protesters’ backs and carrying out spot checks to identify those with protest-related injuries. Some said wounded demonstrators were too afraid to seek hospital treatment, fearing arrest or interrogation. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have previously accused Iranian forces of firing metal pellets directly at protesters’ heads and torsos.US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against the killing of peaceful demonstrators or mass executions, urging Iran to “come to the table” for negotiations and writing that “the next attack will be far worse”. Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Qatar have engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.
