# Iran coordinated killing and torture of protesters, Amnesty says

> Leaked documents reveal the brutal crackdown on women-led protests after Mahsa Amini's death in custody.
- Title: Iran coordinated killing and torture of protesters, Amnesty…
- Summary: Leaked documents reveal the brutal crackdown on women-led protests after Mahsa Amini's death in custody. Iranian security forces systematically coordinated…
- Keywords: iran, mahsa amini, amnesty international, protests, human rights, sexual abuse, torture, women's rights, hijab, ali khamenei, islamic revolutionary guard corps, morality police
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/global-development/2026/sep/16/iran-killing-torture-sexual-abuse-protesters-amnesty
- Published: 2026-09-16T09:00:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iran, mahsa amini, amnesty international, protests, human rights, sexual abuse, torture, women's rights, hijab, ali khamenei, islamic revolutionary guard corps, morality police
## State coordinated brutal crackdown
Iranian security forces coordinated the killing, torture and sexual abuse of hundreds in the 2022 women-led protests, leaked documents show.
## Protests sparked by Amini's death
Tens of thousands protested after Mahsa Amini, 22, died in custody following arrest by morality police for allegedly not complying with hijab rules.
## Orders to kill protesters
Leaked orders instructed forces to respond mercilessly and go as far as causing death. Official statements called for a firm and severe response.

> respond mercilessly and go as far as causing death
## 377 deaths, including 56 children
Amnesty verified 377 protester and bystander deaths, including 56 children. Sixteen people were raped in detention, including a 14-year-old girl.
## Systematic sexual violence documented
State agents raped detainees with batons, bottles and hosepipes. Women were shot in faces, breasts and genitals, medics told the Guardian.
## 87 officials named for investigation
Amnesty named 87 officials who should be investigated for crimes against humanity, including the late supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
## Key takeaway

Iranian security forces systematically coordinated the killing, torture and sexual abuse of hundreds of protesters following the 2022 women-led uprising.