Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jan 14: Iran’s top judicial authority has hinted at fast-track trials and possible executions for those detained during nationwide protests against the country’s theocratic leadership, even as activists claimed the death toll has climbed to levels not seen in decades.
Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, in comments aired by Iranian state television, stressed the need for swift action against detainees. “If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly. If it is delayed by two or three months, it will not have the same effect,” he said, fuelling fears of imminent executions.
The remarks come amid warnings from human rights groups that hangings of detained protesters could begin soon, despite a strong warning from US President Donald Trump. Trump has said the United States would take “very strong action” if Iran carries out executions of protesters.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,572 people have been killed so far in the crackdown, including more than 2,400 protesters. The group said 12 children were among the dead, along with civilians not involved in demonstrations. Over 18,000 people have reportedly been detained.
The reported toll far exceeds casualties from previous protests in Iran over recent decades and evokes memories of the turmoil surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Associated Press said it has been unable to independently verify the figures due to ongoing communication restrictions inside Iran.
Trump, who was briefed on the rising death toll, said he was terminating any negotiations with Iran and warned that Washington would “act accordingly.” He reiterated that while protests are one thing, killing thousands of people and carrying out executions would not be tolerated.
Details of the crackdown began to emerge after Iranian authorities partially restored international phone calls on Tuesday, following a nationwide communications shutdown imposed when protests erupted earlier this month.
Meanwhile, activists said satellite internet service provider Starlink has begun offering free service inside Iran, helping citizens bypass internet restrictions. Security forces were also reported to be searching for Starlink satellite dishes in parts of Tehran.
Iranian state television announced that a mass funeral in Tehran would include around 300 bodies of security personnel and civilians. The ceremony is expected to take place under heavy security at Tehran University.
On the streets, residents described fear and trauma following days of gunfire and violence. “People were out to express themselves, but it quickly turned into a war zone,” one Tehran resident told the Associated Press, alleging that only security forces were armed.
Amid rising tensions, several Middle East governments have reportedly urged the Trump administration to avoid a military confrontation with Iran, warning that a war could have severe consequences for regional stability and the global economy. An Arab Gulf diplomat said countries including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were in constant contact with Washington to discourage any escalation.
Human rights groups continue to call for restraint, transparency and international scrutiny as Iran faces mounting global pressure over its handling of the protests.