India, Jan. 16 -- Iranian journalist and political dissident Masih Alinejad broke down in tears at the United Nations as she read out the names of people she said were killed during recent protests in Iran. Alinejad struggled to continue addressing the audience as she described the "human cost" of the crackdown by Iranian authorities.

Her voice faltered while naming who she identified as protesters, many of whom, she said, were killed for demanding basic rights and justice. "Negin Qadimi died in her father's arms after being shot by the Revolutionary Guards member. This, I feel guilty that I don't name the rest," the journalist said.

Alinejad told the gathering that protesters were fully aware of the dangers they faced. She said many kn...