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Report on the Arrest of 17 Citizens in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Abdanan, Narmak, Tehran

HRANA – In connection to the nationwide protests, security forces arrested 17 individuals in various cities.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, one citizen was arrested in Tehran. His identity was reported as Saeed Piri, a resident of Abdanan County. Based on this report, Mr. Piri was arrested on January 7 in Tehran’s Narmak district by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

Kurdpa also reported in a separate account the arrest of 13 other citizens in various cities of Ilam Province. According to this report:

• Farzad Moradi on January 8 in Abdanan;

• Mehdi Kasaei on January 9 in Ilam;

• Meraj Shirkhani on January 9 in Ilam;

• Hamed Nazarian on January 10 in Ilam;

• Nima Khorki on January 10 in Ilam, all by security forces.

• Hamid Larti on January 15 in Ilam;

• Mohammad Zeynivand was arrested on January 16 in Darreh Shahr;

• Sohrab Alidousti on January 24 in Karzan;

• Mohammad-Hossein Baralk on January 25 in Lumar;

• Behrouz Valibeigi on January 30 in Lumar;

• Behzad Valibeigi on February 2 in Lumar;

• Mohammad-Amin Safari on February 2 in Abdanan;

• Farshad Aieni on February 3 in Dehloran;

Among these citizens, Mr. Khorki has been transferred to Ilam Prison, while no information is available regarding the place of detention of the other 12 individuals.

The Telegram channel United Students reported that Saeed Javanbakht, a student at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences originally from Yasuj, was arrested by security forces. His arrest occurred during the January protests due to providing assistance to injured individuals. The report did not specify the date of his arrest.

The Telegram channel Amirkabir Newsletter also reported the arrest of two sisters, Tara Davoudi and Kimia Davoudi, by security forces. According to the report, the two sisters were arrested on 14 January in Tehran and were subjected to beatings at the time of arrest. Since their detention, no information has been obtained regarding their whereabouts.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the charges brought against these 17 citizens.

Among them, Farshad Aieni had previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on 28 December. After two days, they expanded beyond marketplaces and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations of recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the thirty-eighth day since the start of the protests.

Day 38 of Nationwide Protests: Continued Student Gatherings, Arrests, and Internet Disruptions

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmadreza Afshari-Nejad, Ali Ebrahimi, Amirhossein Mohammadi, HRANA, irgc, Mohammad Saedi-Nia, Sahand Taheri, Somayeh Heidari

HRANA – Based on the latest aggregated data up to the end of the 38th day since the start of the protests, the total number of deaths confirmed by HRANA has reached 6,872. According to these figures, 6,443 of those killed have been recorded as protesters, while 156 are listed under children under the age of 18. In addition, 214 members of government-affiliated forces and 59 individuals categorized as civilian non-protesters have been reported. 11,280 cases remain under investigation.

During the same period, the number of injured civilians reached 11,021, the total number of arrests rose to 50,553, student arrests stood at 109 cases, recorded instances of forced confessions totaled 307, and 11,046 summonses were issued. Moreover, a total of 673 protest-related incidents were documented across 210 cities in 31 provinces.

The major developments today surrounding the protests and their suppression include: the continuation of student gatherings; the persistence of arrests and security crackdowns in various cities; ongoing disruptions and instability in internet access and communications; and speeding up judicial cases against protesters. At the same time, newly imposed sanctions by Australia and statements by French officials further highlighted the international dimension of these developments.

Student Gatherings

Reports indicate the continued persistence of student gatherings and activism in recent days. In Tabriz, received videos show a group of medical sciences students holding a gathering on campus, where they commemorated those killed by displaying their photos and holding a memorial ceremony. At the same time, reports have also emerged of similar gatherings and events taking place in Mashhad and Shiraz.

Alongside these gatherings, security pressure on university environments has continued, and the arrest of students remains one of the main focal points of reports. According to the aggregated statistics on the 38th day, 109 cases of student arrests have been recorded. Four students arrested in Tabriz, Somayeh Heidari, Ali Ebrahimi, Sahand Taheri, and Amirhossein Mohammadi, have been reported as the latest examples of student arrests in Iran. Additionally, another report has been published regarding the arrest of Ahmadreza Afshari-Nejad, a final-semester student at the Tabriz Islamic Art University, who is reportedly being held in Tabriz Prison following his arrest.

Ongoing Problems in Communications and Internet Access

Despite official announcements claiming that internet access has been restored after weeks of shutdowns and widespread restrictions, field reports indicate that users’ access remains unstable and unpredictable. According to published accounts, filtered messaging apps become stuck in an “updating” state, VPNs function only for a few minutes before shutting down without warning, and even in the same fixed location and on a single mobile operator, users report differing experiences. The prevailing description is that the internet has neither returned to normal nor been completely cut off; rather, it exists in a “wearing” and unstable condition.

Technically, this situation is attributed to a shift in the filtering model, which relies less on nationwide shutdowns or direct IP blocking and more on identifying traffic patterns and protocol types. In this context, some reports suggest that the network is entering a “new architecture,” while Cloudflare’s analytical data also points to signs of structural changes in the filtering pattern.

Intensified Judicial Measures: Expedited Proceedings and Asset Seizures

Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, Head of the Supreme Court, announced that the cases of those arrested during the protests would be reviewed on an expedited basis due to their “sensitivity and national nature,” and adjudicated in strict accordance with the exact text of the law. Similar statements by other judicial officials, emphasizing accelerated proceedings and the issuance of harsh sentences, have, according to observers, heightened concerns about compliance with fair trial standards.

Separately, Ali-Asghar Jahangir, spokesperson for Iran’s Judiciary, referred to the case of Mohammad Saedi-Nia (a businessman and entrepreneur), stating that a detention order had been issued against him due to his “official support for protesters,” and that orders had also been given to seize his assets. He added that if the court determines that the actions attributed to him resulted in damages, compensation would be paid from his confiscated property. Taken together, these positions convey a clear message from judicial authorities of continued pursuit and strictness in protest-related cases.

In the education sector, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education announced that all school students arrested during the protests have been released, while simultaneously noting that he does not have precise information on the exact number of these students. He also reported the deaths of a number of students and teachers, without providing specific figures.

International Pressure: Australian Sanctions and a Statement by a Senior French Official

On the international front, Australia announced the imposition of new targeted sanctions in response to widespread repression and the violent use of force against civilians. According to the published statement, 20 individuals have been placed on the sanctions list. Their names are: Mohammad Sadeghi, Mohammad Salah Jokar, Hassan Shahvarpour, Gholamhossein Mohammadi Asl, Rahim Jahanbakhsh, Abbasali Mohammadian, Ali Saeedi, Abdollah Araqi, Ali Fazeli, Ahmadreza Radan, Mohammadreza Fallahzadeh, Mohsen Chizari, Alireza Fadkar, Majid Mousavi, Seyed Aminollah Emami Tabatabaei, Ali-Asghar Norouzi, Hassan Sabourinejad, Javad Ghaffarhaddadi, Yahya Hosseini Panjaki, and Esmail Khatib. In addition, three entities have also been sanctioned: the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the IRGC Cyber Defense Command, and Unit 840 of the IRGC Quds Force.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, referring to the “violent” suppression of protesters, told officials of the Islamic Republic that the people must be respected in light of recent events. At the same time, he emphasized the need to return to dialogue on issues related to nuclear matters, missiles, and regional stability.

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics up to the End of Day 38 Since the Start of the Protests

• Total recorded protest-related incidents: 673

• Number of cities (no duplicates): 210

• Number of provinces (no duplicates): 31

• Injured civilians: 11,021

• Total arrests: 50,553

• Student arrests: 109

• Forced confessions: 307

• Summonses: 11,046

• Total protesters killed: 6,443

▪️ Including children: 156
▪️ Military/government-affiliated forces: 214
▪️ Civilian non-protesters: 59

• Total deaths: 6,872

• Cases under investigation: 11,280

Summary

Day 38 passed amid the continuation of student gatherings and memorial ceremonies in several cities, while arrests, ranging from teenagers and students to ordinary citizens in various locations, were simultaneously reported. Alongside this, announcements of mass arrests in some areas presented a harsher picture of the security approach. In the communications sphere, an internet described as “connected but unreliable” became a persistent source of public frustration, with reports pointing to structural changes in the filtering model. Regarding judicial confrontations against protesters, the emphasis on expedited proceedings and asset seizure orders, alongside official narratives on protest-related cases, indicated an intensification of the judicial crackdown. At the same time, new sanctions imposed by Australia and statements by a senior French official further underscored the international dimension of pressure on the Iranian government.

At Least 282 Arrested in Connection with Nationwide Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmad Negahban, Anzali, Bam, IRIB, Karaj, Parand, Yazd

HRANA – Official media outlets have reported the arrest of at least 282 individuals in the cities of Karaj, Anzali, Bam, Parand, and Yazd Province in connection with the recent protests. This figure includes the arrest of eight people in Karaj, Anzali, and Bam; 135 people in Parand; and 139 foreign nationals in Yazd Province.

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the police commander of Alborz Province claimed that those arrested were involved in setting fire to a police kiosk and the municipal building of District One in Karaj. The police commander of Anzali County also announced the arrest of two individuals, alleging that they had played a role in setting fire to a chain store. Additionally, the police commander of Bam County stated that one individual, described as a “leader,” had been identified and arrested by the Public Security Police.

Separately, the Tasnim News Agency, quoting the Public Relations Office of the Haidar Guards Corps in Parand, reported that 135 people were arrested during the recent protests in the city. In a statement issued by the organization, the detainees were accused of “destruction of public property and insulting national and religious sanctities.”

In another report, Tasnim announced the arrest of 139 foreign nationals in Yazd Province. Ahmad Negahban, the police commander of Yazd Province, claimed that these individuals had taken advantage of the “existing social atmosphere” to play a role in organizing and directing the protests and, in some cases, had connections with networks outside the country.

These reports do not provide information regarding the identities, places of detention, or legal status of those arrested.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on December 28, 2025, After two days, the protests spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations turned into one of the most widespread protests of recent years. Following the crackdown on the protests by security and law enforcement forces, thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the thirty-seventh day since the start of the protests.

Execution of 15 Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
ahvaz, Bam, Birjand, Borazjan, executions, HRANA, Ilam, Jiroft, Khaf, Lahijan, Mahabad, Malayer, Rasht, Sabzevar, Shiraz, Sirjan, Yazd

HRANA – At dawn today, February 3, the death sentences of 15 prisoners, previously convicted on charges related to drug offenses and murder, were carried out in the prisons of Sirjan, Rasht, Yazd, Ahvaz, Jiroft, Borazjan, Ilam, Khaf, Bam, Birjand, Lahijan, Mahabad, Sabzevar, Shiraz, and Malayer.

Based on information received by HRANA, Saeed Rouhani was executed in Sirjan Prison; Ayoub Lashkari in Rasht Prison; Bahram Bani Asad in Ahvaz Prison; Hedayat Mirzaei in Borazjan Prison; Afshin Maleki in Ilam Prison; Tahmasb Mehrjou in Khaf Prison; Ali Haghighatdoost in Lahijan Prison; Hirman Sadri in Mahabad Prison; and Majid Sohrabi in Malayer Prison. These individuals had been sentenced to death on charges of murder, and their sentences were carried out.

Additionally, Kourosh Niri in Yazd Prison, Eshaq Miri in Jiroft Prison, one prisoner in Bam Prison, Moradbeyg Haghighat in Birjand Prison, Pouya Lashani in Sabzevar Prison, and Khalil Hemmati in Shiraz Prison were executed on charges related to drug offenses.

Further details, including the identity of the prisoner executed in Bam Prison, are currently under investigation by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not been officially announced by prison authorities or the relevant institutions.

According to HRA’s annual report, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026. Based on this report, the implementation of death sentences increased by 119% compared to 2024. In many of these executions, due to secrecy, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Nationwide Protests: 247 Citizens Arrested in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Bojnurd, Bojnurd Prison, iran protests, Mahmoud Heydarian, nationwide protests

HRANA – The General Directorate of Intelligence of Yazd and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces, in two separate statements, announced the arrest of 188 and 85 citizens respectively in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Heydarian, an art teacher at schools in Bojnord, was arrested on January 10 during nationwide protests in the city of Ashkhaneh and has recently been transferred to Bojnord Prison.

According to Etemad Online, the Intelligence Department of Yazd Province announced that so far 188 individuals identified as the main activists in the January protests, more than 70 of whom were described as “street leaders and primary saboteurs involved in setting fire to public places and government offices”—have been identified, arrested, and had judicial cases opened against them.

According to Nournnews, in a separate report, the General Directorate of Intelligence of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province also announced the identification and arrest of more than 85 citizens in connection with the nationwide January protests. In a statement, this security body described these individuals as leaders of the protests in the province.

Additionally, in another report, the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations announced that Mahmoud Heydarian, an art teacher in Bojnurd, was arrested by Intelligence Ministry agents at his home in the city of Ashkhaneh around midnight on January 10, during the nationwide protests. According to the council, after undergoing interrogation at the provincial intelligence office, he was transferred to Bojnurd Prison.

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Day 37 of the Protests: Condemnation by Various Social Groups of the Crackdown and the Continued Arrests

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Iran crackdown, Iran massacre, iran protests, Masoud Yousef Hasirchin

HRANA – Based on the latest aggregated data up to the end of the 37th day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,854. According to these figures, 6,430 of those killed are registered as protesters, while 152 are categorized as children under 18. In addition, 214 individuals affiliated with government forces and 58 non-protesting civilians have been reported. 11,280 cases remain under investigation.

During the same period, a total of 50,235 arrests were recorded, including 106 student arrests, 303 forced confessions, and 11,046 summonses. The total number of registered protest-related incidents stands at 666 locations across 209 cities in 31 provinces.

Developments on the 37th day were marked by a surge in condemnation statements addressing repression and its human consequences; the continued pattern of scattered arrests and the prolonged legal limbo of detainees; the imposition of new UK sanctions alongside the announcement and holding of a specialized meeting in The Hague on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; and persistent communication disruptions that have inflicted serious damage on postal services and online businesses.

Statements: Warnings on the Human Consequences of Repression and Demands for Accountability

On the 37th day, four notable statements were issued by various groups, all emphasizing a shared concern: the human cost of repression is rising, and responsibility lies with decision-makers and those carrying out on-the-ground crackdowns.

1) Statement by a Group of Iranian Ophthalmologists
A group of ophthalmologists released an open letter warning about the growing number of severe eye injuries and cases of permanent blindness resulting from the suppression of protests. The statement identifies the use of pellet guns as the main cause and stresses that targeting people’s faces and eyes is medically and ethically unacceptable. The signatories described blinding civilians as a violation of human dignity and called on executive, military, law-enforcement, and judicial authorities to urgently address the consequences of this practice.

2) Statement by Teachers in Eslamabad-e Gharb
The Teachers’ Trade Association of Eslamabad-e Gharb issued a statement condemning the killing and mass arrests of protesters, describing them as an “unforgettable crime” in the collective memory of society. The statement notes that after years of enduring economic, social, educational, and healthcare pressures, alongside rising poverty and inequality, people took to the streets, only to be met with violence, live gunefire, killings, and arrests. Emphasizing that continued violence is not a solution, the association called for the release of all detainees and recognition of the people’s right to determine their social destiny.

3) Statement by the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations
The council condemned what it called the “bloody killing and repression” of protesters and held the authorities responsible. It outlined three key demands: the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees; an end to the militarization of educational spaces; and accountability for those responsible for the crackdown before public opinion and independent international bodies. The statement also referenced the killing of children and adolescents, mass arrests, enforced disappearances, and inhumane pressure in detention facilities, describing them as signs of a deep crisis in governance.

4) Statement by the Union of Social Science Associations
The Union of Social Science Associations condemned the “painful events of January 2026” and expressed solidarity with grieving families. The union stressed that these events were not sudden, but rooted in accumulated discrimination, inequality, social divides, mismanagement, communication disruptions, structural corruption, political obstruction, and foreign interference—factors whose consequences had long been warned about. In conclusion, the statement called for a firm rejection of violence from all sides, prioritizing human dignity and national interests, preventing the erosion of development resources, avoiding international isolation and the risk of war, and urgently addressing people’s basic livelihood needs.

Continued Arrests and Other Repressive Measures

Reports from the 37th day indicate that arrests have continued in a scattered yet sustained manner, targeting a wide range of citizens, including students, writers, and teachers. In some cases, arrests were accompanied by home searches and the confiscation of personal belongings.

Over the past 24 hours, Ali Albo Halaf and Hossein Oudeh (students at Islamic Azad University in Varamin), Abdolbasir Sepahi (Mashhad), Elias Rahimzadeh (Bojnord), Reza Sheikhi-Zadeh, Farhad Nasiri, Sardar Seyyed Rahimi (Miandoab), Amir Soleimani (a student in Tehran), Milad Esmaili and Mashaallah Soltanian (Ilam Province), as well as Azad Rasouli-Fard and Rahim Shilani (Bukan), were arrested by security forces.

At the same time, it has been reported that Houman Jalil, a student at Chamran University of Ahvaz, remains in legal limbo 26 days after his arrest and is being held in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. According to available reports, he was arrested with violence on Thursday, January 8, in Ahvaz and subsequently transferred to Sheiban Prison.

Domestic state media have also reported the arrest of 49 citizens in Pardis, the detention of four foreign nationals in Baharestan, and the arrest of an unspecified number of individuals in Kerman Province in connection with the protests.

Separately, it has been confirmed that Masoud Yousef Hasirchin, a translator and writer residing in Khuzestan Province, was arrested on 28 Dey by Intelligence Organization of the IRGC agents. Reports indicate that prior to his arrest, agents searched his home and confiscated personal items. According to supplementary reports, security forces had also visited his home on January 16, seizing items including books, a mobile phone, and a laptop. Following his arrest, he was transferred to a security detention facility and placed under interrogation.

It has also been reported that a citizen arrested during the protests in Gonbad-e Kavus was subjected to a forced confession, the video of which was broadcast.

Finally, the General Directorate of Intelligence in Yazd Province announced the arrest of 188 citizens, while the General Directorate of Intelligence in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province reported the arrest of 85 citizens in relation to the protests. Additionally, reports indicate that Mahmoud Heydarian, an art teacher in Bojnord schools who was arrested on January 10  during protests in Ashkhaneh, has recently been transferred to Bojnurd Prison.

UK Sanctions and a Meeting in The Hague

On the 37th day, the UK Foreign Office announced new sanctions against Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces and ten Iranian officials for their role in the violent suppression of protests. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans to the United Kingdom. The published details name Eskandar Momeni (Minister of Interior) alongside “several senior law-enforcement, security, and judicial officials.” The measures also target commanders from the police and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, two judges of the Rasht Revolutionary Court, and Babak Zanjani, and bar those sanctioned from holding managerial roles in UK-registered companies.

At the same time, an invitation was issued for a specialized meeting at the Asser Institute in The Hague titled “Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: Human Rights Violations and International Crimes in Iran and Beyond,” scheduled for Thursday, 5 February 2026, at 19:00. The event description references the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP), which aims to systematically map the IRGC’s institutional structure, operational units, and chains of command, and link them to documented cases of grave human rights violations and potential international crimes. According to the announcement, the project’s database contains profiles of more than 4,800 IRGC members and 84,700 units. The speakers are Skylar Thompson (Deputy Director, Human Rights Activists in Iran), Valerie Gabard (Co-Director, UpRights), and Amin Ghazaei (writer and human rights activist). The session will be moderated by Dr. Gabriele Chloëkaite, Senior Researcher in International Criminal Law.

Ongoing Problems in Communications and Postal Services

Disruptions to communications continue to significantly affect daily life and economic activity. According to a published report, Mohammad Ahmadi (Deputy Minister of Communications and CEO of the National Post Company) stated that internet shutdowns and disruptions have caused 730 billion tomans in damage to Iran’s postal service, adding that financial losses from reduced mail traffic have exceeded 7.3 trillion rials. The report emphasizes that internet disruptions have led to a sharp decline in online buying and selling, with the heaviest impact on small, micro, and home-based businesses whose livelihoods depend on online sales and parcel delivery. It also notes that despite partial restoration of access, ongoing instability and restrictions have resulted in a continued over 30% drop in mail traffic.

Elsewhere in the same context, internet services have not returned to normal. Reports indicate that after weeks, internet access is still not available to everyone. Some citizens can only connect to the global internet by paying high costs and using circumvention tools, or by accessing so-called “white internet,” which is limited to select groups. Sattar Hashemi (Minister of Communications) has also confirmed that, both in terms of speed and traffic, Iran’s internet has not returned to normal conditions.

Aggregated Statistics Through the End of Day 37

• Total protest locations: 666
• Number of cities (no duplicates): 209
• Number of provinces (no duplicates): 31

Fatalities:
• Total protesters killed: 6,430

▪️ Including children: 152
▪️ Military/government-affiliated: 214
▪️ Civilian, non-protesters: 58

• Total confirmed deaths: 6,854
• Cases under investigation: 11,280

Other Figures:
• Total arrests: 50,235
• Student arrests: 106
• Forced confessions: 303
• Summonses: 11,046

Summary

The 37th day unfolded amid a surge of statements from various groups, from ophthalmologists to teachers and academic associations, emerging as one of the most significant forms of social response. Alongside condemning the crackdown, these statements emphasized its human consequences and the need for accountability. At the same time, arrests and security measures continued, with named individuals detained and reports of home searches. In some cases, detainees remained in legal limbo, and forced confessions were broadcast. Internationally, new UK sanctions and a specialized meeting in The Hague signaled ongoing political and legal pressure. In public services, persistent communication disruptions not only restricted access for citizens but also caused a sharp decline in mail traffic and substantial losses, severely impacting the postal sector and online businesses.

Shakila Ghasemi, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Kerman

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Kerman, Shakila Ghasemi, شکیلا قاسمی

HRANA – Today, February 2, Shakila Ghasemi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman, was arrested by security forces. Prior to her arrest, the home of this Baha’i citizen was searched, and all electronic devices belonging to her and her family were confiscated.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Ghasemi was arrested today by security forces. Before her arrest, her residence was searched. During the search, all electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops belonging to her as well as her parents, were confiscated by agents.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for her arrest, her place of detention, or the charges brought against Ms. Ghasemi.

Shakila Ghasemi is a 26-year-old Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to security and judicial actions more than any other religious minority. HRA’s annual reports indicates that over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports related to religious minorities concerned violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Report on the Arrest of Masoud Yousef Hasirchin

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Freedom of Expression, News
IRGC Intelligence, Khuzestan, Masoud Yousef Hasirchin

HRANA– Masoud Yousef Hasirchin, a translator and writer residing in Khuzestan Province, was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence on January 18. Prior to his arrest, agents searched his home and confiscated some of his personal belongings, including digital devices.

Based on information received by HRANA, Masoud Yousef Hasirchin was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence in Khuzestan Province and transferred to a security detention facility, where he has been subjected to interrogation. Two days prior to his arrest, agents searched his private residence and confiscated several personal belongings, including books, a mobile phone, and a laptop.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest, his place of detention, or the charges brought against Mr. Hasirchin.

In recent days, a group of writers, researchers, translators, and journalists issued a statement calling for Mr. Yousef Hasirchin’s release.

Masoud Yousef Hasirchin, a resident of Khuzestan Province, is a researcher and translator of works in the fields of political science, economics, and history.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28. After two days, they spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. For further information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the thirty-sixth day since the start of the protests, which was published last night.

Aria Sheikhi-Nasab and Erfan Esfandiari Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Aria Sheikhi-Nasab, Erfan Esfandiari, Masjed-Soleyman

HRANA – In connection with the recent protests, Aria Sheikhi-Nasab was arrested in Masjed Soleyman, and Erfan Esfandiari, a 17-year-old teenager, was arrested in Isfahan.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Sheikhi-Nasab was arrested on January 25 by security agents at his private residence in Masjed Soleyman. Meanwhile, Erfan Esfandiari, a 17-year-old teenager, was arrested on January 18, with the use of violence by security forces.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the place of detention or the charges brought against these two citizens.

Aria Sheikhi-Nasab, 29, is a resident of Masjed Soleyman. He has a prior history of arrest by security forces.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28. After two days, they expanded beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests turned into one of the most widespread demonstrations of recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the thirty-sixth day of the protests, which was published last night.

Report on the Execution of at Least 26 Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Arak, Ardabil, Bandar-Abbas, Borujerd, HRANA, Lahijan, Naein, Nowshahr, Qaemshahr, Qazvin, Qom, Sanandaj, Semnan, Tabriz

HRANA – At least 26 prisoners were executed in the prisons of Arak, Naein, Tabriz, Bandar Abbas, Qazvin, Ardabil, Qom, Semnan, Borujerd, Sanandaj, Nowshahr, Lahijan, and Qaemshahr. These prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug-related offenses and murder.

The identities of the prisoners have been confirmed by HRANA as: Shahriar Farahani, Manoochehr Mehrabi, Nasser Hosseini, Behrouz Hazrati, Fardin Kalami, Mohammadali Moridan, Amin Nasiri, Sajjad Dousti, Peyman Shiri, Hekmat Daryaei, Mostafa Minavand, Shahab Karami, Nemat Mehraban, Azim Nourzad, Noushad Alipour, Shahrouz Hosseini, Yousef Eini, Meysam Rafiei, Jaber Mohammadi, Payam Nouri, Omid Hatami, Samir Ajamloo, Iman Nejati, Ghorban Rashidi, Kourosh Zamani, and Kianoush Rostami.

Based on information received by HRANA, today, Sunday, February 1, Shahriar Farahani was executed in Arak Prison, Manoochehr Mehrabi in Naein Prison, Nasser Hosseini in Qazvin Prison, Behrouz Hazrati in Ardabil Prison, Fardin Kalami in Qom Prison, Mohammadali Moridan in Borujerd Prison, Amin Nasiri in Sanandaj Prison, and Sajjad Dousti in Nowshahr Prison on murder charges.

Additionally, Peyman Shiri in Tabriz Prison, Hekmat Daryaei in Bandar Abbas Prison, and Mostafa Minavand in Semnan Prison were hanged on charges related to drug-related crimes.

Additionally, HRANA has received reports of executions carried out in recent months. From October to December of 2025, at least eight prisoners were executed in Qaemshahr Prison. Shahab Karami on October 6, Nemat Mehraban on October 20, Azim Nourzad on November 17, Noushad Alipour on December 1, and Shahrouz Hosseini on January 12 were executed on murder charges. Furthermore, Yousef Eini on November 2, Meysam Rafiei on December 15, and Jaber Mohammadi on December 29 were executed on charges related to drug-related offenses.

The death sentences of at least seven other prisoners were also carried out in Lahijan Prison. Ghorban Rashidi on  December 3, Kourosh Zamani on December 15, and Kianoush Rostami on December 31 were executed on charges related to drug-related crimes. Payam Nouri on October 29, Omid Hatami on November 12, Samir Ajamloo on November 19, and Iman Nejati on December 17 were sentenced to death and executed on murder charges.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

According to HRA’s annual report, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran. Based on this report, the implementation of death sentences increased by 119% compared to 2024. In many of these executions, due to secrecy, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.