An Iranian doctor has alleged that security forces executed injured protesters inside hospital wards during the recent unrest in the country, claiming some victims were shot while receiving medical treatment.
The medic, identified as Dr. R and described as a member of the Aida Health Alliance, told The Jerusalem Post that wounded civilians were found dead in hospital beds with gunshot wounds to the head. According to the account, some victims were still connected to medical equipment at the time of their deaths.
Dr. R accused members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of targeting injured demonstrators who had been admitted for treatment following protests in Tehran. The doctor also alleged that medical personnel suspected of treating protesters were arrested.
“If the patient already had a gunshot wound to the head when they arrived at the hospital, they would not have been placed on life-support equipment,” Dr. R was quoted as saying, suggesting that the victims were shot after being admitted. The claims have not been independently verified.
The doctor reportedly shared images with the newspaper showing bodies with head injuries in hospital settings. The authenticity of the photographs has not been confirmed by independent sources.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights, described the allegations as evidence of serious violations of medical ethics and international law. He called for an international investigation, urging the World Health Organisation to examine reports that hospitals were used as instruments of repression.
He further alleged that medical care was denied to some injured individuals and that healthcare workers faced intimidation and arrest.
Dr. R also claimed that communication blackouts imposed during the protests prevented some civilians from accessing emergency services. According to the account, internet and phone restrictions left individuals experiencing medical emergencies unable to call for assistance.
The doctor further alleged that healthcare professionals had been detained or prosecuted for providing treatment to injured protesters, and that some medical staff were monitored by security forces.
Iranian authorities have not publicly responded to the specific allegations. In recent weeks, President Ebrahim Raisi apologised to citizens affected by the unrest and the subsequent security response.
The claims come amid heightened international scrutiny of Iran’s handling of the protests, with human rights organisations continuing to document alleged abuses linked to the crackdown.