India, Jan. 10 -- TEHRAN, Iran, January 10 - At least 65 people have been killed and more than 2,300 arrested during two weeks of nationwide anti-government protests across Iran, according to a US-based human rights group. A continued, severe internet blackout imposed by authorities has not quelled the unrest, which has now spread to at least 100 cities in all 31 provinces, driven by crippling economic conditions.

The scale of the protests is reflected in the casualty and arrest figures reported by the US-based human rights group. The data indicates a significant and widespread challenge to state authority. The demonstrations, which began in Tehran's bazaars over rampant inflation, have evolved into a broad movement, engaging a merchant ...