Iran: Reports Say 12,000 Killed in Just Two Days, Evidence Still Emerging

USPA NEWS - URGENT | Reports Indicate Mass Civilian Killings in Iran During 8–9 January

Emerging Evidence Points to Large-Scale Lethal Force Against Civilians

Content Warning

The following article includes references to graphic images of deceased individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.
Executive Summary

A rapidly expanding body of photos, videos, and eyewitness testimonies emerging from Iran indicates mass civilian casualties within a 48-hour period on 8–9 January. While figures remain under independent verification, multiple sources report fatalities potentially reaching into the thousands, with some claims as high as approximately 12,000 during that short timeframe.
Preliminary reviews of the visual material and testimonies further suggest that a significant proportion of those killed were young people, many reportedly under the age of 30. These claims require urgent, independent verification.

What Is Being Reported

Over recent days, visual material from multiple locations across Iran has circulated widely. Across different sets of images and testimonies, consistent patterns appear:
• Lethal force used against unarmed civilians
• Direct gunshot wounds and mass casualties
• Bodies collected in large numbers within enclosed facilities
• Rapid removal and concealment of the dead
• Severe restrictions on information and access

At the same time, near-total internet shutdowns and restricted access for independent journalists and observers have severely limited on-the-ground reporting.

A Striking Pattern: The Age of the Victims

According to initial assessments of the circulating visual material and eyewitness accounts, a notable and disturbing pattern has emerged:
many of the victims appear to be young—often in their late teens and twenties.

While ages cannot be conclusively confirmed without official records or independent access, multiple sources consistently report that a majority of the deceased were under 30 years old. If verified, this would indicate disproportionate lethal violence against a young civilian population, raising grave legal and ethical concerns.

Why the Information Blackout Matters

The combination of alleged mass casualties and a coordinated information blackout creates an acute risk:
• Evidence may be lost, manipulated, or destroyed
• Witnesses may be silenced or disappear
• The scale of events may never be independently established

In past crises, delayed scrutiny has allowed crimes of this magnitude to be obscured. Time is a critical factor.

Images Requiring Urgent Independent Verification

Editorial Note:
The following images are being published to underscore the urgency of independent investigation and evidence preservation. USPA24 cannot independently verify the exact time, location, or total number of victims shown in these images at the time of publication. Their inclusion reflects the scale and consistency of material currently circulating and the need for immediate, impartial review.

Suggested captions (use beneath each image):
• “Images circulating from Iran showing large numbers of deceased individuals reportedly collected in enclosed facilities. The exact location and date remain under independent verification.”
• “Part of a growing body of visual material requiring urgent OSINT-based analysis and preservation.”

(Place your provided images here, ideally after this note and captions.)

What Needs to Happen Now

Competent international bodies should urgently:
• Secure, preserve, and assess all available visual and testimonial evidence
• Conduct independent verification, including OSINT-based analysis
• Seek immediate access to affected areas
• Examine patterns indicating systematic or widespread violations
• Initiate appropriate investigative and accountability mechanisms

Public Call to Action

History shows that coordinated civic action can accelerate accountability.
Emails are logged. Emails are counted. Volume matters.

Readers are encouraged to take 2–3 minutes to request independent investigation and evidence preservation.

How to Participate

1. Copy the email template below
2. Add your name and city/country
3. Send it to international human rights and accountability bodies (addresses provided below)

Email Template (Ready to Send)

Subject: URGENT: Independent investigation required into reported mass civilian killings in Iran (8–9 January)
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing as a concerned citizen to urgently request independent verification and immediate action regarding extensive reports and a rapidly growing body of visual evidence indicating mass civilian killings in Iran during the 48-hour period of 8–9 January.

Photos, videos, and eyewitness testimonies from multiple locations consistently show lethal force used against unarmed civilians and mass casualties. Some reports, supported by emerging visual evidence, indicate fatalities potentially reaching into the thousands, with some sources citing figures as high as approximately 12,000. These figures require urgent, independent verification.

Given widespread internet shutdowns and restricted access for independent observers, there is an immediate risk that critical evidence may be lost or destroyed. I respectfully urge immediate steps to secure evidence, conduct independent verification, and initiate appropriate investigative measures.

Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[City, Country]

Email addresses

InfoDesk@ohchr.org
CP@ohchr.org
urgent-action@ohchr.org
srhumanrightsdefenders@ohchr.org
inquiries@un.org

contactus@amnesty.org
aimember@aiusa.org
info@amnesty.de

hrwpress@hrw.org
nachricht@hrw.org

secretariat@omct.org
contact@fidh.org
info@article19.org

menschenrechtsausschuss@bundestag.de
info@institut-fuer-menschenrechte.de

contact@bellingcat.com
english@rsf.org

Short instruction for readers (add this line below the list):

Please place all addresses in BCC, keep the subject line unchanged, and add only your name and city/country before sending.

Why This Matters

Silence is not neutrality.
Timely, responsible action can protect evidence, force scrutiny, and prevent erasure.