Iranian agents obstructed critical care to thousands of wounded protesters

28 FEBRUARY 2026

Iranian Protests

In early January 2026, massive anti-government protests erupted across Iran against the 47-year-old Islamic Republic.
The government described the unrest as being driven by foreign-backed “terrorists.”
The crackdown reached its peak on January 8 and 9, 2026 reportedly becoming the deadliest since the Islamic Republic came to power in 1979.

Allegations Inside Hospitals

Doctors and human rights groups reported unprecedented militarisation of medical facilities:

Armed plain-clothes security agents entered hospitals and allegedly blocked or obstructed treatment of wounded protesters.
Some patients were reportedly removed from ventilators.
Dead bodies were taken away by security forces.
Security agents filmed patients and checked documents inside wards.
In at least one instance, snipers on the roof of a hospital in the northern town of Gorgan shot at approaching patients, according to a witness’s account
Since January 9, at least 79 healthcare professionals have reportedly been detained, according to members of the Iranian International Public Health Association (IIPHA).

Reported Death Toll

Human Rights Activists News Agency claims it confirmed over 7,000 deaths.
The Iranian government has acknowledged over 3,000 deaths.
Amnesty International reported credible evidence of close-range targeted shootings.
Iran Human Rights Center documented accounts of interference in medical treatment.