What actually happened in two Iranian cities this week depends entirely on who you ask, and the gap between the two versions is pretty stunning.

Two Very Different Stories

Rights groups and opposition organizations outside Iran paint a dramatic picture: massive crowds flooding the streets of Abdanan and Malekshahi in Ilam province, chanting anti-government slogans, setting fires, and sending security forces into retreat.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran went so far as to say Abdanan was "effectively taken over by the people," with protesters celebrating openly before authorities cut the electricity in an apparent attempt to regain control.

BBC Persian obtained videos showing crowds chanting "Death to the dictator" while fleeing from tear gas. Other footage appeared to capture fires and damaged buildings in Malekshahi.

The Government's Version

Iranian state media tells a completely different story. Tasnim news agency acknowledged that a security officer died during clashes with "armed individuals" but insisted the situation was quickly "completely normalized."

Mehr, another Iranian agency, described a gathering in Abdanan that started under police supervision before a smaller group splintered off and vandalized property, according to RIA Novosti.

The Bigger Picture

The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 36 people killed nationwide over 10 days of protests, mostly demonstrators, with more than 2,000 arrests, according to the BBC.

Amnesty International has accused security forces of raiding a hospital in Ilam where wounded protesters were receiving treatment, calling it a violation of international law.

Iran hasn't released official death toll figures, and independent verification remains nearly impossible.