The United States‑based Human Rights Advocacy Group released a document on Thursday indicating that the cumulative death toll from recent anti‑government protests has surpassed five hundred individuals. Chief spokesperson Sarah Mendez confirmed that the figure is derived from reports filed by civil‑society observers, independent journalists and local hospital data compiled over the past month. Questions remain about the completeness of the data, as access to some of the affected regions is restricted. The statement lists several locations where demonstrations took place and cites evidence of clashes between protestors and security forces. _2_The protests have spanned at least twelve major cities, according to the group’s database, and reports from embedded correspondents note that the confrontations were often abrupt, involving tear gas and live ammunition. Injured civilians were relocated to nearby medical facilities; however, no official death certificates have been released by state authorities, leaving the exact figures uncertain. The group appealed for independent forensic inquiries, citing a need to determine responsibilities for the casualties. While the statements do not attribute responsibility to any single party, they emphasize that the use of force exceeded internationally accepted norms for crowd control. _3_The disclosure has prompted diplomatic letters from several country delegations to the United Nations, urging the establishment of an impartial investigative team. Former ministers of the country engaged in the protests have called for safe zones for civil activities. The human‑rights organization anticipates a review to evaluate the death toll, suggesting that an accurate assessment is critical for future policy formulation. endeastext