At least 19 children killed in Iran protests, rights group says 

At least 185 people and 19 children have been killed in the demonstrations that have spread across Iran in defiance of a crackdown by authorities, said a human rights group.

Protests in Iran began on September 17 after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the Kurdish town of Saquez. Amini died while she was in police custody for allegedly failing to adhere to the country’s strict hijab rules and wearing “inappropriate attire.”

Police claim Amini had a heart attack at the police station, causing her to fall into a coma. She passed away two days later on September 16. However, several witnesses claim she was severely beaten by the police, and leaked medical scans suggest that the beating led to her death.

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets waving and burning hijabs while shouting “death to the dictator.” According to local media, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has brutally cracked down on the protests, leading to several deaths. 

"At least 185 people, including at least 19 children, have been killed in the nationwide protests across Iran. The highest number of killings occurred in Sistan and Baluchistan province with half the recorded number," the Norway-based Iran Human Rights said on Saturday.

Videos shared on social media show Iranian security forces using tear gas, clubs, and even live ammunition to crack down on the protests, according to the human rights group. 

The Iranian authorities, however, deny these claims. Authorities claim that the protests are part of a plot created by their enemies to undermine the government.