Iran Protest Death Toll Surpasses 2,500, Activists Report

The death toll from Iran's ongoing crackdown on nationwide protests has risen sharply, activists report. U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency stated the number of dead reached at least 2,571 by early Wednesday. The announcement came as Iran restored some international phone and internet connections for the first time in days. The protests began in September following the death of Mahsa Amini. She died in custody after being arrested by Iran's morality police for allegedly violating strict dress codes. Authorities have restricted digital communication for much of the protest period. The brief restoration of services allowed citizens to contact people outside the country.