Amnesty: Thousands arrested and over 300 dead following Iranian protests

Earlier, Amnesty estimated that 208 people were killed in connection with the protests in Iran recently. Citing credible sources, the organization now reports that 304 people have been killed and thousands arrested.

Witnesses and relatives say stories that Iranian security forces have raided casualties in hospitals and workplaces to arrest protesters. There is talk of disappearances and overcrowded prisons, torture and ill-treatment.

"Horrible stories from eyewitnesses show that the authorities killed hundreds of those who took part in the protests, and then carried out an orchestrated strike to create fear and keep the population silent about what happened," writes Philip Luther, director of Amnesty's Middle East Division.

Video footage, which has been reviewed and verified by Amnesty, shows how security forces aimed and shot at the head, heart, neck and vital organs.

Also in a UN report recently, imagery reports showing how unarmed protesters are shot with sharp ammunition.

- It shows clear violations of international law and serious human rights violations, says UN Commissioner Michelle Bachelet.

The UN has previously reported that 12 minors were killed in connection with the riots. Amnesty claims that 15-year-olds are held captive in military barracks and in notorious and overcrowded prisons.

At the end of November, a spokesman for Iran's parliament and its National Security Committee stated that at least 7,000 had been arrested. Since then, the number has not been updated officially.

Iran dismisses Amnesty's calculations as "complete lies".

According to Amnesty, thousands of protesters, journalists, students and activists have been arrested following the protests, which were a reaction to, among other things, sharply increased energy prices and generally deteriorating living conditions.