Iranian lawmaker: Thousands arrested during protests

Security officials have arrested about 3,700 Iranians during anti-government protests that began nearly two weeks ago, according to an Iranian reformist lawmaker. The latest tally is far higher than the government’s report, which said officials arrested “hundreds” of protesters in the capital city of Tehran. Mahmoud Sadeghi did not explain how he came up with the higher arrest total, but human rights groups say Sadeghi’s figures are more believable. Demonstrations against high unemployment and government corruption began Dec. 28 in the city of Mashhad and spread across the country. At least 21 people have died in the unrest. On Sunday, Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi said officials released 70 of the detained protesters on bail. He said officials will release more protesters but not the organizers, who will be “dealt with seriously.” Iranian human rights activists continue to raise concerns about the conditions the detained protesters face in jail. Nasrin Sotoudeh, an Iranian human rights lawyer, told The Guardian at least two protesters have died in detention.