Warning: this story contains content which some readers might find distressing
Distressing new videos have emerged from a mortuary in Tehran showing rows of bodies, blood-soaked floors, and crowds of people searching for loved ones following a deadly government crackdown on protesters in Iran.
The videos analysed by BBC Verify and BBC Persian contain some of the most shocking examples to date of how brutal the government's retaliation has been since the unrest began on 28 December.
Forensic examination of the footage reveals nearly 200 bodies laid throughout the mortuary complex, many with visible wounds and one victim identified as young as 16. Anti-government demonstrations have spread to more than 68 towns and cities, though the actual figure is likely much higher due to an internet blackout imposed by the government impacting over 90 million Iranians.
The true death toll remains unclear, with US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimating over 2,500 deaths, while officials attribute blame to terrorists.
Videos posted by a US-based Iranian influencer depict haunting scenes inside the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Centre, showing a horrifying volume of casualties as families search for their loved ones. The footage reveals how overwhelmed hospitals have become, leading to a chaotic situation at the mortuary.
Filmed in mid-January, the clips document the aftermath of major protests called for by Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah. The scenes in the mortuary reflect a grim reality for many families who have lost everything in their pursuit of freedom.
The Iranian regime's control over information has made it increasingly difficult to ascertain the extent of the violence, underscoring the critical need for independent verification of events taking place on the ground.
