The death toll of Iranian protesters may be far higher than originally thought, with a new estimate putting the figure at over 30,000.

Beginning on Dec. 28, large protests broke out across Iran in response to deteriorating economic conditions, soon transforming into a protest against the Islamic government itself. The protests grew significantly over the following weeks, culminating in a brutal crackdown on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9. Due to a nationwide internet blackout, little concrete information has been confirmed. Various estimates have since emerged regarding the death toll, ranging from 3,117 given by Iranian state news, 4,902 given by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, and data from Iranian doctors putting it at 16,500.