Iran supreme leader admits thousands killed during recent protests

Iran's supreme leader has for the first time publicly acknowledged that thousands of people were killed, "some in an inhuman, savage manner", during recent protests.

A violent response to protests in Iran has claimed 3,090 lives, according to US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), following unrest that started over the economy on 28 December. An internet blackout has made it extremely difficult to get clear information.

In a speech on Saturday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said thousands had been killed during the unrest, blaming the deaths on "seditionists". read more