Numerous posts on Twitter's Iranian election page say that dozens of people have been severely beaten and that foreign embassies in Tehran are taking in the wounded.

There were allegations on the web Saturday that the Canadian embassy was denying entry to injured people seeking sanctuary, but the Department of Foreign Affairs said those allegations were false.

"The Embassy was closed Saturday and there were no Canadians at the Embassy when the protests began. Reports that we were providing shelter to Iranian demonstrators are false," foreign affairs and international trade spokesperson Simone MacAndrew said in a statement to CTV.ca. 

"Canada's Embassy is located in the centre of recent demonstrations. Due to the tense security in Tehran this week, the Embassy has been closing early so that staff can return home safely before the public and democratic demonstrations begin."

Foreign Affairs called the violent crackdown by authorities "wholly unacceptable."

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff issued a statement late Saturday night saying, "Canada should join other countries in keeping our embassy open for the humanitarian needs of the people of Iran."

Foreign Affairs says that Canadian embassies do not normally offer asylum to individuals abroad but will provide temporary safe haven if there is an immediate threat or injury.