The United Nations human rights organization believes that Iran is mistreating detained protesters. Among other things, there are indications that the state is holding the bodies of protesters who died during protests or while in detention.

Demonstrators have taken to the streets in Iran for weeks against the policies of those in power. The cause of the demonstrations was the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini last month.

The government responded to the demonstrations with brutal police crackdown and arrests. Human rights groups in Iran say at least 250 people have been killed and thousands arrested.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) says it has seen ample evidence that protesters and their families are being mistreated by the authorities. For example, some do not receive medical care when they need it.

A spokesman said: “We are particularly concerned about information that the authorities are transferring injured protesters from hospitals to detention centers and refusing to hand over the bodies of those killed to their families.” According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, relatives sometimes have to pledge not to organize a funeral or speak to the media before their loved one’s body is recovered.

Violent clashes again this week in commemoration of Amini

Meanwhile, pictures appeared on social media of demonstrators in the southeastern city of Zahedan calling for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They call the country’s supreme leader a dictator. Dozens were killed in clashes with police in Zahedan four weeks ago.

This week, protesters in Saqqaz were reportedly shot during the demonstrations. Human rights groups have stated that tear gas will also be used. Thousands of people gathered in Amini’s hometown to mark the end of the official period of mourning 40 days after her death.