An Iranian newspaper reported that security forces blocked blood donations and took wounded protesters from a hospital after opening fire on demonstrations in the western town of Malekshahi, a rare domestic account of alleged abuses that has drawn condemnation from rights groups.
The reformist daily Ham-Mihan said on Wednesday, citing eyewitnesses, that security forces shot at demonstrators protesting in Malekshahi, near the Iraqi border, and later entered Imam Khomeini Hospital in the provincial capital Ilam, where injured protesters had been taken for treatment.
According to the newspaper, security forces prevented people from donating blood for the wounded and removed some injured protesters from the hospital without allowing them to receive medical care.
Witnesses quoted by the paper said forces also sought to take the bodies of those killed in the unrest to prevent public mourning ceremonies.
The paper reported that four wounded protesters died shortly after arriving at the hospital, while two others later died from their injuries. Hospital staff said about 11 critically injured protesters were admitted.
One eyewitness told the newspaper that none of the demonstrators had been carrying weapons and that the shooting followed a peaceful march. Another said security forces restricted access to the hospital to prevent photographs or videos from circulating.
Ham-Mihan said about 30 people were wounded when security forces fired on protests in Malekshahi this week. Iran International had independently verified the identities of four people killed in the unrest.
Medical workers quoted by the newspaper described gunshot wounds to the head, chest, abdomen and limbs. One nurse said a young man hit by three Kalashnikov bullets died after surgery.
Amnesty International said Iranian security forces carried out repeated raids on Imam Khomeini Hospital, using tear gas and shotguns, smashing doors and beating people inside, including medical staff, and arresting injured protesters and family members.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered an investigation into the hospital incident. Iran’s health minister said medical staff were obliged to treat all patients regardless of political or social affiliation.
The US State Department described the hospital raid as a crime against humanity. Iranian officials have said the government recognizes economic protests but rejects what it calls violence and disorder.
