Mass protests that swept across Iran in recent weeks appear to have largely subsided following a severe government crackdown that has left thousands dead, according to official and independent reports.

Iranian authorities say at least 3,117 people were killed during the unrest. Human rights organizations, however, dispute that figure. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which gathers information through networks inside Iran and subjects reports to multiple verification checks, said Friday that it has documented 5,137 deaths.

The protests began over mounting economic grievances, as Iran’s currency sharply devalued and inflation surged. Demonstrations quickly evolved into one of the most significant challenges to the Islamic Republic in its 47-year history, with thousands of protesters calling for an end to clerical rule.

Obtaining a clear picture of events on the ground has been difficult due to an internet blackout that has persisted for more than two weeks, according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks.

Despite restricted access, journalists have documented scenes of destruction and violence in Tehran following the crackdown, offering rare glimpses into the aftermath of the unrest.