Pakistan, Jan. 26 -- A US-based rights group reported that 5,848 people have died in recent protests in Iran, with thousands more under investigation. The protests began in late December over economic issues and grew into mass rallies against the government. Security forces have suppressed the demonstrations, leaving many dead and arrested.

The Human Rights Activists News (HRANA) confirmed 5,520 protesters, 77 minors, 209 security personnel, and 42 bystanders were killed. Another 17,091 potential fatalities are still being investigated. At least 41,283 people have been detained during the unrest, the group said.

Read more: Death toll rises above 3,000 in Iran unrest

NGOs have struggled to track the full toll because of an 18-day intern...