Activists expressed serious concern about hundreds of protesters arrested during rallies against water mismanagement in the central city of Isfahan that continued for the last two weeks.
The initially peaceful protests held on the drained basin of the Zayandeh-Rood River, while demonstrators addressed the water shortages in central Iran. The rallies turned violent after a pre-dawn raid by riot police who reportedly burned the protesters' tents.
In a statement, the Center for Human Rights in Iran said the country's officials were responsible for those held in custody, including at least 13 children.
Videos on social media showed demonstrators shouting slogans against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Many were seen severely wounded, lying motionless on streets, including teenagers, women and elderly farmers.
Local activists have been collecting reports on the widespread use of birdshot fired into the eyes of the demonstrators.
According to the information gathered by those activists, confirmed by medical sources, at least 30 people were being treated for injuries in their eyes. One 15-year-old protester was said to have gone permanently blind as doctors had to remove his both eyes.
