HRANA- This monthly report provides an overview of statistics on human rights violations in Iran during August 2026. The continued issuance of death sentences against individuals facing political charges and the increase in prison sentences imposed on citizens for expressing their views and opinions were among the most notable human rights violations documented during the month.
Executions
In August, HRANA reported the executions of 78 people, including five women. Of those executed, 40 had been sentenced to death on murder charges, 29 on drug-related charges, and two on charges of moharebeh (“enmity against God”) in non-political cases. Four others were executed on security-related charges. In addition, two individuals, Ghaem Hosseini and Shahram Sadeghi, were hanged in connection with the January 2026 protests.
Of the 78 people executed, the charge against one individual remains unknown.
During the month, Iranian courts issued 21 death sentences, while seven death sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court. Most notably, 10 defendants in a case in Isfahan were sentenced to death in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026.
Freedom of Thought and Expression
Over the past month, security forces arrested 311 individuals for expressing their views and opinions, while three others were summoned by security agencies. One case of a home search by security forces was also reported. For the same reasons, eight individuals were summoned to court and three were put on trial.
Prison sentences imposed on citizens for expressing their views and opinions increased significantly this month. In total, at least 7,238 months of imprisonment (more than 600 years) were handed down to 80 citizens, more than 2.5 times the figure recorded in the previous month. One of the most notable cases was the 20-year prison sentence imposed on Mohammad Ebrahimi in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026. Additionally, 16 citizens in Mahabad were sentenced to a combined total of more than 77 years in prison for reasons related to political affiliation and the expression of their views.
In addition to prison sentences, courts imposed three instances of deprivation of civil and social rights, a total of 48 months of exile, and 523 lashes. Flogging sentences were also carried out against two individuals.
Prisoners’ Rights
Reports published by HRANA in August documented the following figures concerning violations of the rights of prisoners and detainees, particularly political prisoners and prisoners of conscience: 98 cases in which detainees were held in legal limbo, 50 reports of families being kept uninformed about the fate or whereabouts of detainees, four cases of prisoners being transferred to solitary confinement, 12 reports of pressure being exerted on detainees or prisoners, six cases of forced confessions, four cases of prisoners being beaten, including three political prisoners at Evin Prison who were beaten by prison guards, nine cases of denial of access to legal counsel, four cases of denial of telephone access, and three cases of denial of visitation rights.
Additionally, 21 cases of denial of medical care and six cases in which prisoners were denied medical leave despite urgent medical needs were reported.
Reports also documented hunger strikes by at least three prisoners. During the month, the death of a female prisoner at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad was also reported following a lack of adequate medical care.
Kolbars and Fuel Carriers
In August, seven people were killed and four others were injured as a result of indiscriminate gunfire by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s security forces. This practice has a long history and has particularly affected kolbars (workers who carry goods on foot across border areas to earn a living) and fuel carriers (individuals who transport small quantities of fuel across the border for their livelihood). Among the seven people killed were three kolbars and two fuel carriers.
Workers’ Rights
In August, HRANA reported 50 labor protests and three labor strikes, representing an increase compared with previous months. HRANA also published reports on unpaid wages affecting approximately 500 workers. These reports further documented 350 cases of workers being dismissed or laid off.
According to the reports received, workplace accidents claimed the lives of 37 workers and injured 120 others, marking the highest monthly figures recorded since the beginning of the year.
Trade associations and labor unions held 81 protest gatherings during the month. Three individuals were also arrested by security forces. Additionally, 144 commercial establishments were closed and sealed.
Women’s Rights
During the month, 12 women lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. One woman and four men were also victims of so-called “honor killings,” and two cases of rape were reported.
Additionally, 30 commercial establishments were closed and sealed for alleged non-compliance with mandatory hijab regulations.
Children’s Rights
In August, HRANA’s reports documented the killing of four children and the deaths of two others as a result of negligence by the authorities.
Religious Minorities
During the month, 14 members of religious minorities were sentenced to a combined total of 539 months in prison. Among them were 12 Baha’i citizens residing in Sari, who received a combined total of more than 26 years in prison.
In addition to the prison sentences, 14 cases of deprivation of social rights, one case of property confiscation, and one case of restrictions on economic activity were reported.
Security forces also arrested at least 10 members of religious minorities during the month, summoned four others, and conducted five home searches.
Ethnic Rights
HRANA’s reports documented the arrests of at least 29 ethnic rights activists or members of ethnic minorities by security forces. According to the reports, 13 of these arrests were carried out without the presentation of an arrest warrant. Four individuals were also sentenced to a combined total of 360 months in prison. One case of physical assault and one home search were also reported.
Inhuman Punishment
As noted above, sentences totaling 539 lashes were issued during the month. The majority of these flogging sentences were imposed on individuals who participated in the January 2026 protests. In addition, sentences totaling 62 lashes were carried out.
