Iranian security forces have killed at least 326 people since nationwide protests broke out two months ago, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights Organization (IHRNGO) claimed.   

  That figure includes 43 children and 25 women, the group said in an update on its death toll on Saturday – saying the number published represented an “absolute minimum”.   

  CNN cannot independently verify the number, as non-state media, the internet and protest movements in Iran have been suppressed.  The death toll varies according to opposition groups, international rights organizations and journalists covering the ongoing protests.   

  Iran is facing one of its biggest and most unprecedented shows of dissent since the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian who was arrested by the morality police for not wearing her hijab properly.   

  Public outrage over her death has combined with a range of grievances against the Islamic Republic’s oppressive regime to fuel the protests, which have continued despite lawmakers urging the country’s judiciary to “show no mercy” to protesters .   

  Despite the threat of arrests – and tougher punishments for those involved – Iranian celebrities and athletes have come forward to support anti-government protests in recent weeks.

  IHRNGO urged the international community to take “unwavering and timely action” on the rising death toll and reiterated the need to establish a mechanism to “hold the authorities of the Islamic Republic accountable for the serious violation of human rights”.

  “The creation of an international investigation and accountability mechanism by the UN will facilitate the process of holding the perpetrators accountable in the future and increase the cost of continued repression by the Islamic Republic,” said IHRNGO Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.   

  Since the beginning of the protests, deaths have been recorded in 22 provinces, according to IHRNGO.  Most were reported in the provinces of Sistan and Baluchistan, Tehran, Mazandaran, Kurdistan and Gilan.   

  Iranian authorities have also charged at least 1,000 people in Tehran province for allegedly taking part in the protests.   

  The rights group said dozens of protesters face “security-related charges” and are at risk of execution.   

  On Friday, United Nations experts urged Iranian authorities to “stop charging people with charges punishable by death for participating or allegedly participating in peaceful protests” and “stop using the death penalty as a tool to quell protests.”