Iranian authorities are reportedly demanding large sums of money from families to return the bodies of protesters killed in recent demonstrations. The BBC learned from multiple sources that bodies are being held in mortuaries and hospitals across Iran. Security forces are allegedly refusing to release the bodies unless relatives pay exorbitant fees.

The protests, ongoing for over two weeks, have resulted in a violent crackdown by authorities. Rights groups estimate that at least 2,435 people have been killed. One family in Rasht was asked to pay 700 million tomans (approximately $3,700) for the release of their loved one's body from Poursina Hospital mortuary. In Tehran, another family was asked for a billion tomans (around $5,200), which they could not afford.

The demands for payment add another layer of grief and outrage to families already mourning their loved ones. The international community has widely condemned the Iranian government's response to the protests. The reported actions further exacerbate tensions and raise concerns about human rights violations.

Iran has a history of suppressing dissent, but these protests are considered particularly widespread and persistent. The demonstrations were initially triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody. The protests quickly evolved into broader calls for regime change.

It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to these latest allegations. Further investigations are expected to uncover the full extent of the authorities' actions.