Backing the November 2019 crackdown on fuel-price protests, in which hundreds were killed
When a sudden fuel-price rise set off nationwide protests in November 2019, Khamenei backed the increase and called protesters 'thugs' as authorities cut off the internet. Amnesty International documented at least 304 deaths, and Reuters, citing interior ministry officials, reported about 1,500 killed and that Khamenei told officials to do whatever it took to end the unrest.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Near-total internet shutdown as protests spread - NetBlocks reported that as protests against the fuel-price rise spread to multiple cities, internet access in Iran was severely disrupted, with national connectivity falling close to zero. BBC News reported the blackout lasted several days. Iran internet blackout reaches four-day mark
- Backs the price rise and calls protesters 'thugs' - Reuters and BBC Persian reported that Khamenei backed the heads of the three branches of government over the fuel-price rise, saying he was not an expert but supported the decision, and blamed 'thugs' and enemies, including opponents abroad and the United States, for acts of sabotage. Khamenei backs Iran gasoline price hike, blames enemies for sabotage
- Reuters: Khamenei told officials to 'do whatever it takes'; about 1,500 killed - A Reuters special report, citing three interior ministry officials, said about 1,500 people were killed during the protests, including 17 teenagers and about 400 women. Citing sources close to his inner circle, Reuters reported that Khamenei told senior officials to 'do whatever it takes to end it'. Iranian officials called the report 'fake news'. Special Report: Iran's leader ordered crackdown on unrest: 'Do whatever it takes to end it'
- Amnesty releases details of 304 deaths - Six months after the protests, Amnesty International released details of 304 people it said were killed, saying most died from gunfire to the head or torso by security forces and that the authorities had still not published an official death toll. Iran: Details released of 304 deaths during protests six months after security forces' killing spree