Category: Freedom of Expression

Day Twenty-One of the Protests: Islamic Republic’s Leader Acknowledges “Thousands Killed” as Internet Shutdown Continues

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Khamenei, crackdown, HRANA, iran protests, irgc

HRANA – On the twenty-first day of nationwide protests in Iran, despite the continued widespread internet blackout and intense security pressure, confirmed figures show that the total number of verified deaths has reached 3,308, with another 4,382 cases still under review. So far, 2,107 people with severe injuries have been identified, and the arrest of at least 24,266 individuals has been confirmed. On this day, the Leader of the Islamic Republic for the first time acknowledged that “several thousand people” had been killed during the protests. The release of new images from forensic medicine centers, an increase in mass arrests, and the intensification of international reactions were among today’s most significant developments.

On the twenty-first day of nationwide protests, while the widespread internet shutdown had exceeded 200 hours, international concerns and warnings over human rights violations continued to grow. At the same time, independent documentation efforts, including broad public calls for participation in recording evidence of human rights abuses, intensified.

Ongoing Communications Disruptions

The nationwide internet shutdown, which began on Thursday night, January 8, passed the 200-hour mark on the twenty-first day and continues. Although very limited and brief increases in connectivity were reported at certain points in recent hours, overall access to the global internet remains at only a few percent of normal levels.

The continuation of this situation has caused severe disruptions to citizens’ communications, independent information-sharing, and the transfer of information from inside the country. Families of those killed or detained are facing serious difficulties in following up on the status of their loved ones, and the process of collecting and verifying human rights information is encountering unprecedented delays and limitations.

Meanwhile, media outlets close to security institutions have reported the limited activation of messaging applications and what they refer to as the “national internet,” a measure that, according to these sources, aims to control communications and sever connections between networks outside the country and those inside. Nevertheless, the global internet is still reported to be cut off, and no specific timeline has been announced for the full restoration of connectivity.

International Reactions

At the international level, reactions to developments in Iran intensified on the twenty-first day. The U.S. president, in his latest remarks, stated that “the time has come to look for new leadership in Iran,” holding the Islamic Republic responsible for the country’s destruction. These comments followed his earlier remarks about the non-implementation of hundreds of death sentences in Iran.

In another development, the Argentine government designated the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and imposed sanctions on individuals linked to it. Additionally, the U.S. State Department announced financial rewards and relocation assistance for information related to the financial activities of the IRGC. The president of the European Parliament also stated that efforts to place the IRGC on the list of terrorist organizations would continue.

Government Reactions

Inside the country, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, while acknowledging that “several thousand people” were killed during the protests, described protesters and their foreign supporters as “criminals” and threatened to confront what he called “domestic and international seditionists.”

At the same time, the Tehran prosecutor denied claims about the cancellation of protesters’ executions, stating that the judiciary’s response would be “decisive, swift, and deterrent.” He added that a large number of cases had resulted in indictments and been referred to court.

On the same day, law enforcement officials also reported widespread arrests, including more than 1,500 people detained in Gilan Province.

Statistics (as of the End of Day 21)

Based on case-by-case, verified data compiled by HRANA through the end of the twenty-first day of the protests:

• Recorded protests: 621 cases

• Confirmed fatalities: 3,308 people

Protesters: 3,097

Children under 18: 22

Military and government forces: 166

Non-protesting civilians: 23

• Deaths under investigation: 4,382 cases

• Severely injured: 2,107 people

• Arrested individuals: 24,266 people

• Broadcast forced confessions: 132 cases

Note: These figures are based solely on individually verified cases. Given the internet shutdown and severe communication restrictions, the actual human toll of the ongoing protests in Iran may be significantly higher than these numbers.

Conclusion

The twenty-first day of nationwide protests in Iran was marked by the continued internet blackout, mounting evidence of the scale of the crackdown, and an unprecedented acknowledgment by the Leader of the Islamic Republic of the extent of the fatalities. At the same time, escalating international reactions and solidarity gatherings abroad, alongside the government’s continued security and judicial approach, indicate that the crisis is still on an intensifying trajectory.

Day 20 of Protests: Continued Internet Blackout and Human Rights Groups Focus on Documenting the Crackdown

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HRANA, internet shutdown, iran protests, nationwide protests, Spreading Justice

HRANA – By the end of the twentieth day of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 3,090, with 3,882 additional cases still under review. At least 2,055 people have been reported with severe injuries, and the number of arrests has risen to 22,123. The continuation of the nationwide internet shutdown, intensified diplomatic and security reactions at the international level, and the persistence of security and judicial crackdowns inside the country were among the most notable developments of the day.

Alongside developments on the ground, foreign reactions, centered on concerns over the human rights situation, the withdrawal of diplomats, and increased political pressure, continued. Domestically, government officials, while blaming foreign actors, emphasized a security-based narrative of the protests.

Disruption of Communications

The widespread shutdown and disruption of communications, which began on the evening of January 8, continued into the twentieth day and, according to reports, has entered its second week after more than 190 hours. During this period, access to both fixed-line and mobile internet in large parts of the country has faced severe restrictions, with messaging services, internet calls, access to public information, and media communications cut off.

The consequences of this situation have gone beyond limitations on information flow. Reports indicate difficulties for citizens in accessing basic services (including online banking and administrative services), heightened concern among families about the condition of detainees, and increasing obstacles to documenting and following up on human rights violations. At the same time, the internet shutdown has posed serious challenges to field verification and the collection of evidence.

Some foreign institutions and officials have explicitly emphasized that cutting communications can facilitate the concealment of violence and repression. Inside the country as well, scattered reports have emerged of increased security controls over access to information and intensified pressure on alternative communication channels.

In response to this information vacuum, HRANA today issued a public call urging citizens, eyewitnesses, and individuals with access to reliable documents, images, and videos to participate in the independent documentation of the protests. Emphasizing the vital role of citizen witnesses under conditions of internet shutdown, the call stressed the need to prevent the distortion of facts and to accurately record human rights violations.

International Reactions

At the international level, Iran remained at the center of attention. In the United States, the U.S. president stated that Iran had refrained from carrying out more than 800 execution sentences due to political pressure, remarks that were accompanied by renewed calls to halt violence against protesters.

In Europe, the cancellation of invitations to officials of the Islamic Republic to attend the Munich Security Conference drew widespread attention and was seen as a sign of Iran’s growing diplomatic isolation. At the same time, some governments expressed concern over the safety of their nationals in Iran and advised them to leave the country or reduce the level of diplomatic presence.

Continuing these reactions, a number of governments and international bodies once again emphasized the need for accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations. In this context, international documentation and accountability initiatives have received increased attention, a development directly linked to the situation on the ground and communication restrictions in Iran.

Alongside growing international focus on accountability, legal documentation projects have also gained greater importance. Within this framework, Spreading Justice, HRA’s database of human rights violators in Iran, announced that information received about human rights violators, after multi-layered verification, will be recorded in the form of documented case files and legal analyses, to serve as a basis for international legal action and to counter the systematic impunity of human rights violators.

Government Responses

In response to external pressure, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the G7 statement on the suppression of protests as “interventionist.” At the same time, Iranian officials have sought to justify the crackdown by emphasizing security imperatives and asserting its legal basis, while rejecting or downplaying international criticism.

Meanwhile, in several high-profile cases involving detainees, Iran’s judiciary has stated that the charges do not necessarily carry the death penalty. At the same time, law enforcement and judicial authorities have continued to emphasize a policy of “swift and harsh” responses to protests, a stance that has intensified concerns over escalating violence, mass arrests, and mounting pressure on detainees’ families.

Statistics Through the End of Day 20

By the end of the twentieth day, based on aggregated recorded data:

• Number of protests recorded: 619 (across 187 cities in 31 provinces)

• Total confirmed deaths: 3,090

Of these, at least 2,885 were protesters, 165 were government/security forces, and 21 were non-protesting civilians

Children (under 18) among the deceased: at least 19

• Deaths under review: 3,882

• Severely injured: 2,055

• Arrests: 22,123 cases

• Broadcast forced confessions: 132 cases

Conclusion

The twentieth day was marked by the continuation of the nationwide internet shutdown, which entered its second week, alongside escalating diplomatic and security pressure on the Islamic Republic. Internationally, developments ranging from formal meetings to governments advising their nationals to leave Iran reflected growing concern over the situation in the country. Domestically, the persistence of hardline security and judicial positions has reinforced fears of increased violence and intensified repression.

Day Nineteen of Protests: Emergency UN Security Council Meeting and Continued Nationwide Internet Shutdown

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Abbas Araghchi, Erfan Soltani, iran protests, Netblocks

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest updates, as of the time of this report, the number of confirmed deaths has reached at least 2,677, with 1,693 additional cases still under investigation. The number of people with severe injuries has also been reported as 2,677, while the number of detainees stands at 19,097. At the same time, an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Iran was held. The U.S. government also raised reports regarding the suspension of the implementation of 800 planned execution sentences.

On the nineteenth day of the protests, efforts toward crisis diplomacy and an intensification of international reactions to the crackdown were observed, from the UN Security Council meeting to sanctions and consular warnings. Domestically, the continued nationwide internet shutdown remains the most significant barrier to access to information and independent verification. Meanwhile, the authorities, emphasizing swift judicial action and presenting official narratives regarding the causes of fatalities, are attempting to manage mounting international pressure.

Disruption of Communications

Since Thursday, January 8, reports have indicated widespread internet outages across Iran. According to various sources, this measure, implemented alongside intensified security crackdowns and a growing wave of arrests, has severely restricted citizens’ access to information and their ability to communicate with the outside world.

In its latest assessments, NetBlocks announced that Iran has been experiencing an internet shutdown for more than 168 hours. The consequences of this situation reportedly range from disruptions to access to essential services and family communications to increased difficulty in independent reporting and on-the-ground documentation.

At the same time, reports have also emerged of disruptions extending beyond the internet. In some areas, the shutdown of telephone lines, including landlines, has been reported, expanding the scope of communication restrictions from the “internet” to “basic communications.”

International Reactions

An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Iran was held at the request of the United States. Media coverage of the meeting referenced allegations related to the course of the crackdown as well as judicial rulings, while reports also emerged of new U.S. sanctions imposed on five Iranian officials described as being responsible for the “deadly suppression of protesters.”

At the level of official U.S. positions, the White House spokesperson stated that Iran, “under U.S. pressure,” had halted the implementation of 800 execution sentences, claiming that the process of “killings and executions” had been stopped. In this context, U.S. officials emphasized that they are “closely monitoring” developments and warned of the consequences of continued repression.

As the crisis has intensified, several governments have issued warnings to their citizens regarding travel or presence in Iran. Among them, New Zealand’s foreign minister urged citizens to leave Iran if possible. It has also been reported that the Canadian government announced the death of a Canadian citizen in Iran, while Switzerland expressed concern over the situation of a dual national.

Government Responses

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, claimed in a letter to the UN Security Council that the protests had turned into a “planned effort by terrorist groups,” while simultaneously highlighting the deaths of government forces. He also accused certain countries of “interference” and called on the Saudi government to condemn such actions.

Separately, in response to international coverage regarding the situation of detainees, Iran’s judiciary announced that the charges attributed to an individual named “Erfan Soltani”, about whom reports had circulated claiming he had been sentenced to death by an unusual court, do not, in fact, carry the death penalty. This issue was also reflected during coverage of the Security Council meeting.

According to HRANA’s latest updated data as of the time of publication of this report:

• Total number of recorded protests: 618

• Cities involved (no repetition): 187 cities

• Provinces involved (no repetition): 31 provinces

• Total confirmed deaths: 2,677

• Deaths under investigation: 1,693

• Breakdown of recorded fatalities:

2,478 protesters

16 children / under 18 years old

163 individuals affiliated with the government (military and non-military)

20 non-protesting civilians

• Individuals with severe injuries: 2,677

• Total detainees / identified individuals: 19,097
(including 169 individuals under 18 years old and 52 students)

• Broadcast forced confessions: 115 cases

Conclusion

The nineteenth day of protests was marked by a strong focus on international follow-up at the UN Security Council, alongside the continued nationwide internet shutdown. HRANA’s latest statistical data indicates a continued upward trend in fatalities, arrests, and forced confessions. At the diplomatic level, warnings and sanctions have intensified, while Iranian officials have continued to adopt defensive positions and level accusations.

Canadian Citizen Killed in Iran During Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Anita Anand, Canada, iran protests

HRANA – Canada’s foreign minister announced that a Canadian citizen has lost their life in Iran. The individual’s name has not yet been released, but according to the minister, Canada’s foreign ministry is in contact with the family.

The name of the individual has not yet been disclosed; however, Anita Anand stated that Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with the family and is following up on the case.

Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign minister, announced the news on the social media platform X, condemning violence against peaceful protesters in Iran and writing: “The Iranian regime has disregarded human life. This violence must stop.”

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and merchants began in Tehran on December 28, 2025, and, after two days, 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 of recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the eighteenth day of the protests, published last night.

The Arrest of Three Members of Slain Protester Reza Ahmadi-Abadi’s Family in Fuladshahr

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Fuladshahr, Jahangir Ahmadi-Abadi, Reza Ahmadi-Abadi, Sadegh Ahmadi-Abadi

HRANA – On Thursday, January 8, Jahangir Ahmadi-Abadi and Sadegh Ahmadi-Abadi, two brothers, were arrested during protests in Fuladshahr following the killing of their older brother, Reza Ahmadi-Abadi, by security forces. In addition, Ali Salehivand, the family’s nephew, was arrested in connection with the incident while he had been injured by gunfire.

Based on information received by HRANA, on Thursday evening, January 8, Reza Ahmadi-Abadi, 53, was shot and killed by law-enforcement and security agents after participating in a protest gathering by citizens in Fuladshahr. Following this incident, his two brothers, Jahangir Ahmadi-Abadi, 31, and Sadegh Ahmadi-Abadi, 36, along with the family’s nephew, Ali Salehivand, 21, were violently arrested and transferred to an unknown location.

During these arrests, Ali Salehivand was detained while he had been shot in the shoulder.

As of the time of this report, there is no information available regarding the place of detention of these individuals or the physical condition of Mr. Salehivand.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, and, after two days, expanded beyond bazaars 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 on the seventeenth day of the protests, published last night.

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Day Eighteen of the Protests: Global Focus on Casualties and Mass Arrests Amid Communications Blackout

HRANA’s aggregated figures indicate the registration of 617 protest gatherings in 187 cities across the country, the arrest of at least 18,470 people, and the confirmed deaths of 2,615 individuals, a situation that, alongside the decline in verifiable on-the-ground evidence, has intensified international concerns over the scale of the crackdown.
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2026 protests, death toll, HRANA, iran protests, nationwide protests

HRANA – The eighteenth day of Iran’s nationwide protests passed amid a continued shutdown of communications with the outside world. HRANA’s aggregated figures indicate the registration of 617 protest gatherings in 187 cities across the country, the arrest of at least 18,470 people, and the confirmed deaths of 2,615 individuals, a situation that, alongside the decline in verifiable on-the-ground evidence, has intensified international concerns over the scale of the crackdown.

The eighteenth day of the nationwide protests unfolded while Iran’s disconnection from the global internet persisted, and access to verifiable field evidence remained limited compared to the peak days of the demonstrations. In this context, developments on this day focused primarily on the continued communications blackout, rising casualty and arrest figures in aggregated data, and the escalation of international reactions and positions regarding the situation in Iran.

With the ongoing internet shutdown, the ability to receive and verify field reports from inside the country continued to face serious disruption. On the eighteenth day, no verifiable reports of newly registered street protests were available, a situation that may reflect either a decline in visible street demonstrations or the direct result of severe communications restrictions and the difficulty of independent documentation.

At the same time, media outlets and monitoring organizations remained focused on the human and security consequences of the protests. Aggregated data show that although the flow of field information has slowed, the upward trend in the number of casualties, injured individuals, and arrests has continued, an issue that, particularly amid the communications blackout, has heightened concerns about the true extent of violence and repression remaining concealed.

At the international level, reactions became more pronounced on the eighteenth day. The President of the United States stated that he had been “informed” that killings and executions in Iran had stopped, remarks that, given the continued security atmosphere and reports of rising casualties, were met with skepticism and critical responses. At the same time, several European governments, citing security assessments, reduced their diplomatic presence in Tehran or advised their citizens to leave Iran.

Within this framework, the President of the European Parliament also issued a message addressed to the people of Iran, urging them not to lose hope and emphasizing the support of European institutions for human rights and civil demands. Meanwhile, critical positions by governments and international bodies regarding the suppression of protesters, internet shutdowns, and mass arrests continued, alongside warnings about the human rights consequences of the situation.

HRANA’s Aggregated Statistics up to the End of Day Eighteen

According to HRANA’s aggregated data up to the end of the eighteenth day of the protests, a total of 617 protest gatherings have been recorded nationwide. These demonstrations took place in 187 cities and covered all 31 provinces of the country.

In terms of arrests, the detention of 18,470 individuals has been confirmed. In addition, the number of broadcast forced confessions has reached 105 cases, and 2,054 injured individuals with severe injuries have been reported.

Regarding human casualties, the total number of confirmed deaths has been announced as 2,615. Of these, 2,435 were protesters, and the deaths of 13 children under the age of 18 have been confirmed. Additionally, 14 non-protesting civilians are recorded among the fatalities. On the other side, 153 members of security forces and government supporters have lost their lives. Furthermore, 882 additional deaths remain under investigation.

Brief Background

The nationwide protests began on December 28, 2025, and, after reaching their widest geographical spread in the middle days, entered a new phase following the government’s imposition of communications shutdowns, one in which the collection and independent verification of field data has become structurally more difficult. The eighteenth day followed this same pattern and was defined less by clear, verifiable signs of street protests and more by a communications blackout, a sharp increase in aggregated figures for casualties and arrests, and an intensification of international pressure and reactions.

Nationwide Protests: 10 Citizens Arrested in Zahedan by Security Forces

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Esmail Rakhshani, Hossein Shahoozahi, Majid Ghasemi, Omar Ghasemi, Omid Ghasemi, Parviz Yousefzahi, Qais Rakhshani, Saeed Shahoozehi, Shoaib Mohammadani, Zahedan

HRANA – Yesterday, security forces arrested ten citizens in Zahedan and transferred them to an undisclosed location.

The identities of the detainees have been reported by Haal Vsh as Majid Ghasemi, Omar Ghasemi, Omid Ghasemi, Esmail Rakhshani, Qais Rakhshani, Saeed Shahoozehi, Hossein Shahoozahi, Hossein Shahoozahi, Shoaib Mohammadani, and Parviz Yousefzahi.

Based on this report, the arrests were carried out with the use of violence on Bagheri Street in the Shirabad area of Zahedan.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges against them or their place of detention.

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

Day Seventeen of Iran’s Protests: Continued Internet Shutdown, Spike in Figures, and Intensifying Global Reactions

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1404 protests, HRANA, internet shutdown, Nationwide Protests in Iran, protests 2026

HRANA – The seventeenth day of Iran’s nationwide protests unfolded amid the continued severing of the country’s communications with the outside world, limiting access to verifiable on-the-ground evidence, as in previous days. Within this context, three main developments stood out: the continuation of the nationwide internet shutdown and the resulting restrictions on independent documentation; a noticeable surge in the cumulative figures for casualties and arrests based on HRANA’s data; and a more pronounced wave of international reactions and diplomatic actions.

The disruption of communications on the seventeenth day continued to be described as one of the defining elements of the crisis. The prolonged internet blackout not only narrowed the channels for verification and for conveying an accurate picture of conditions inside the country, but also caused a significant portion of information to reach the outside world with delays, in fragmented form, and with limited ability to be verified. In this context, some internet monitoring organizations reported that the blackout had extended over several days, while certain European officials described the situation as one that could increase the possibility of repression under a “news blackout.”

On the seventeenth day of the protests, some media outlets continued to report on the “ongoing protests” in Iran, while at the same time stressing that the communications shutdown had made it extremely difficult to present a precise picture of developments on the ground.

At the international level, reactions on the seventeenth day were more explicit and more extensive. The UN Secretary-General, referring to reports of violence and excessive use of force, called on Iranian authorities to exercise restraint and to refrain from the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force. In Europe, senior European Union officials, while condemning the violent crackdown, emphasized the need to release detainees and fully restore internet access. At the same time, reports emerged of Iranian ambassadors being summoned in several European capitals and formal protests being conveyed over the crackdown; some governments, including Finland, spoke of summoning the ambassador and reviewing coordinated measures within the framework of the European Union.

Alongside these positions, some governments intensified their security and consular advisories. Among them, Canada urged its citizens to leave Iran if possible and with due regard for safety considerations, pointing to alternative overland routes. Reports also surfaced regarding a reduction in diplomatic presence or the departure of non-essential staff from some foreign missions in Tehran.

In the U.S. political arena, messages concerning Iran also continued. The President of the United States, in statements addressed to protesters, emphasized the continuation of protests and spoke of “help on the way”; in some media narratives, these positions were accompanied by speculation about tougher options or broader pressure. At the same time, some outlets reported on more hardline positions taken by certain figures and officials regarding the future of Iran’s government.

Concurrently with these developments, the Human Rights Activists in Iran issued a statement condemning the use of lethal force against protesters amid the nationwide internet shutdown and expressing grave concern over the escalation of violence across the country. In its statement, the group stressed that the deliberate shutdown of the internet has disrupted access to vital information, emergency services, and the ability to independently document and verify violations, thereby creating conditions for the continued excessive use of force. The statement emphasized the need for an immediate halt to the use of lethal force, the full restoration of internet access, guaranteed unhindered access to medical services, and the conduct of independent, impartial, and effective investigations into human rights violations, and called on the international community to take action to ensure accountability and prevent further abuses.

The organization also stated that under the current conditions it will continue documentation and verification efforts at the highest possible standards and will publish updates as information is confirmed.

HRANA Statistics as of the End of the Day

According to HRANA’s aggregated data through the end of the seventeenth day, a total of 614 protest gatherings have been recorded nationwide. These demonstrations took place in 187 cities and covered all 31 provinces of the country. Regarding arrests, the detention of 18,434 individuals has been confirmed. At the same time, 97 cases of forced confessions have been broadcast, and 1,134 people with severe injuries have been reported.

In terms of human losses, the deaths of 2,403 protesters have been confirmed. Among those killed, 12 children (individuals under 18 years of age) have been recorded. Additionally, nine non-protesting civilians (neither military personnel nor protesters) are included among the deceased. On the other side, 147 members of security forces and government supporters have been killed, including at least five civilian supporters of the government.

In Conclusion

The seventeenth day of the protests was less a day of “visible expansion on the streets” and more a day marking the consolidation of a high-risk situation under conditions of communications blackout. At the same time, HRANA’s cumulative data indicate a significant surge in the figures for fatalities, arrests, and injuries. Internationally, condemnations and diplomatic actions intensified, and security advisories issued by some governments urging their nationals to leave Iran became more prominent. Within this context, the statement issued by the Human Rights Activists in Iran further amplified concerns over the use of lethal force and the consequences of the internet shutdown for monitoring and accountability.

Sistan and Baluchestan: At Least 550 Detained Amid Ongoing Protests

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Chabahar, HRANA, Iranshahr, Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan

HRANA – During the ongoing nationwide protests, at least 350 citizens, including women, children, and students, were arrested by security forces in Zahedan, Chabahar, and Iranshahr. With these arrests, the total number of detainees in Sistan and Baluchestan Province has risen to at least 550.

The identities of 16 of those arrested in Chabahar County have been reported by Haal Vsh as: Roya Sedighi, approximately 26 years old; Parisa Raeisi, approximately 26; Maral Shirani; Fatemeh Shirani; Ayoub Jadgal, approximately 27; Abdolkhaleel Baluchi; Sajad Raisi; Nader Narouei; Azim Jadgal; Aref Ahourani; Majid Kadkhodaie; Halim Soleimani; Navab Baluchi; Mahmoud Shahouzahi; Hafez Gholami, approximately 19; and Samer Dorzadeh, approximately 30.

This news outlet has also identified 12 citizens arrested in Iranshahr as: Hamed Kalaki, approximately 28; Javad Rigi; Golmohammad Arbab; Nasser Narouei, approximately 35; Javid Zeynoddini; Ali Salahzehi; Yousef Askani; E’jaz Bamari; Jamal Bamari, approximately 21; Mohammad Ali Bijarzahi; Farhad Shiehaki; and Akbar Lashkarzehi.

Previously, the arrest of 200 citizens, along with the identification of 11 of those detained, had been reported by Hal Vash.

According to the report, of the total number of detainees, 320 were arrested in Zahedan and 230 in the cities of Chabahar and Iranshahr. Informed sources stated that these arrests were carried out en masse and violently, and that many individuals sustained physical injuries as a result of beatings with batons, punches, and kicks.

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

Sixteenth Day of Protests: Families of Victims Gather at Behesht Zahra Cemetery as Total Communications Blackout Continues

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Behesht Zahra Cemetery, HRANA, Tehran

HRANA – On the sixteenth day of nationwide protests in Iran, January 12, the complete internet shutdown and disruption of all communication channels across the country continue, effectively eliminating independent access to information. In this context, aggregated data and documentation compiled by human rights organizations indicate a sharp rise in casualties and arrests.

According to the latest confirmed figures by HRANA, as of this date, 646 people have been killed in the course of the protests. This figure includes 505 protesters (among them 9 children), 133 military and law enforcement personnel, one prosecutor, and seven non-protesting civilian citizens.
In addition, 579 other reports of deaths remain under review. At the same time, reports have emerged of gatherings and slogan-chanting by families of those killed at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran, signaling the continuation of protests even in the context of mourning, an issue that, amid the complete communications blackout, has heightened concerns over the true масшале of the crackdown.

Following 606 gatherings in 187 cities across Iran, protests have continued into the sixteenth day despite the total communications shutdown.

Communications Status: Total Blackout and Information Blockade

On the sixteenth day of protests, the internet shutdown and the disruption of all communication routes have entered an unprecedented phase. According to published reports, the internet blackout has exceeded 100 hours. In addition to fixed and mobile internet services, telephone calls and other communication tools have been severely disrupted or effectively cut off.

This situation has not only halted public information flows but has also placed serious constraints on the independent verification processes of human rights organizations. Under such conditions, a significant portion of available information is received with delays, through limited and high-risk channels, and the ability to present a complete and up-to-date picture of developments on the ground has been reduced to a minimum.

HRANA Statistics Through the End of the Sixteenth Day

According to HRANA’s latest aggregated and verified data through the end of the sixteenth day of protests:

• 505 protesters have been killed.
• Among them, Nine children (under the age of 18) have been identified.
• 133 members of military and law enforcement forces have been killed.
• One non-military government affiliate (a prosecutor) has died.
• Seven of those killed were non-protesting civilian citizens.

Based on these figures, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 646 as of this date.
In addition, HRANA has received 579 other reports of deaths that remain under review and verification.

With reliance on supplementary data, the total number of detainees has reached 10,721 to date.
Furthermore, 97 cases of forced confessions by detainees have so far been published by official or government-affiliated media—reflecting the continued security and judicial pressure on those arrested.

Key Field Developments: Gathering at Behesht Zahra, Tehran

One of the most significant developments on the sixteenth day has been the circulation of reports and videos from Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran. These reports show that families who have received the bodies of those killed in the protests or buried their loved ones gathered at burial sites and chanted protest slogans.

Holding such gatherings in a heavily securitized environment and under conditions of a complete internet and communications shutdown demonstrates the persistence of dissent and protest even in spaces associated with mourning and funeral rites, an indication of the deep connection between street protests and the families’ pursuit of justice for victims.

Official Government Narrative and Escalation of Security Rhetoric

As casualty figures rise, officials of the Islamic Republic and state media continue to emphasize claims of a “fabricated narrative” by media outlets and international organizations, placing responsibility for the violence on “foreign elements,” “terrorists,” and “rioters.”

Against this backdrop, pro-government rallies have taken place in multiple cities and have been lauded by senior officials, while threats of a “no-leniency” response toward protesters, activists, and alleged protest “instigators” have escalated.

International Reactions and Developments Over the Past 24 Hours

At the international level, the sixteenth day of protests was accompanied by a new wave of reactions:

• European leaders and officials expressed “shock” over the intensity of violence used against protesters and accused the Iranian government of presenting a “fabricated narrative” of events.

• The President of the European Parliament announced restrictions on the entry of diplomatic staff and representatives of the Islamic Republic into the Parliament’s buildings, an action seen as a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the European Union and Iran.

• Several European governments, including France and Sweden, have evacuated non-essential staff from their embassies in Tehran or advised their citizens to leave Iran due to the deteriorating security situation.

• The governments of Germany, France, and Ireland condemned the “brutal and disproportionate” crackdown on protesters and emphasized the need for an immediate halt to violence and the restoration of internet access.

• In the United States, senior officials once again stated that “various options” in response to developments in Iran are under review, while simultaneously expressing a preference for a diplomatic path.

Documentation Constraints and Security Considerations

The complete internet shutdown and communications blackout, in addition to reducing the flow of information, have created serious security risks for citizens, journalists, and activists inside the country. Under such conditions, the transfer of data, images, and videos is carried out with high risk, and many incidents may never be documented.

HRANA emphasizes that all published figures represent minimum estimates based on verified data, and given the current conditions, there is a strong possibility that these numbers will rise significantly.

Background

Nationwide protests in Iran began on December 28 and today (January 12) mark their sixteenth day. Since the thirteenth day of protests, the Iranian government has imposed a widespread internet and communications shutdown, effectively placing the country in a state of information blackout.

In this context, the noticeable rise in the death toll, the continuation of mass arrests, the publication of forced confessions, and now the gatherings of families of those killed at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran paint a troubling picture of escalating repression alongside continued civil resistance and demands for justice.