January Protests: Nine More Citizens Arrested in Connection with the Killing of a Security Force Member

HRANA – The Police Information Center announced the arrest of 9 additional citizens in connection with the case of the killing of a security force member during the January protests in Mashhad. Previously, state media had also reported that a number of protesters had been arrested in relation to the same case.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Information Center of the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that, in a “joint operation” between the Khorasan Razavi police and security forces, an individual identified as a suspect in the killing of Farajollah Shushtari, along with eight others, has been arrested.

According to the police’s claims, the detainees have been described as “individuals involved in this crime” and have been handed over to judicial authorities. However, the identities of these individuals, the exact details of how they were arrested, and their place of detention have not been disclosed.

Earlier, state media had also reported the arrest of a number of citizens in Mashhad in connection with the same case. In that report, without mentioning the number or identities of those arrested, the charge of “killing a security force member” was attributed to the detainees.

No independent details are available regarding the legal proceedings of this case, the detainees’ access to legal counsel, or their current condition.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

One Person Arrested on Espionage Charges in Robat Karim

HRANA – One individual in Robat Karim, Tehran Province, has been arrested by IRGC Intelligence forces on charges of “espionage by sending images of the country’s sensitive centers to opposition groups and foreign media outlets.”

According to Khabar Fori, Robat Karim security officials claimed that the individual was detained on the charge of “espionage through sending images of sensitive national sites to groups opposed to the regime and foreign media.”

It adds that the person was transferred to prison after the arrest.
The report does not provide further details, including the identity of the citizen.

Police Commander Announces Arrest of At Least 1,800 People

HRANA – The Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force has announced the arrest of at least 1,800 individuals as part of a crackdown on what he described as “hostile elements, espionage, and disruptive actors.”

Ahmadreza Radan stated that these individuals were detained in connection with activities such as alleged “criminal” actions in cyberspace, publishing images of sensitive locations, communication with opposition groups, and participation in protests. According to Ahmadreza Radan, more than 900 others have also been “identified or dealt with.”

According to Fars News Agency, Radan discussed a series of security and policing measures in recent months during a televised interview last night. Based on  his statements, more than 700 individuals identified as “monarchist elements and affiliated online networks” have been arrested. Additionally, over 400 people were detained on charges of “collecting and publishing images and information from strike locations and transferring operational data.”

In another part of the report, Radan stated that more than 200 individuals were arrested for using “technical and network tools for destructive activities.” Furthermore, over 400 people were detained in connection with protests, and at least 100 others were arrested for alleged links to what he described as “terrorist groups and services.”

He also reported that more than 900 individuals in the field of cyberspace have been “identified or dealt with,” claiming that they were involved in “disturbing public opinion or supporting disruptive actions.” No precise details have been provided regarding the nature of these actions or how many of these individuals were actually arrested.

The Commander-in-Chief further claimed the discovery of more than 3,000 firearms and the seizure of over 6,000 pieces of what he described as “espionage equipment,” presenting these as outcomes of law enforcement and security operations.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the geographic distribution of these arrests, the identities of those detained, their places of detention, the legal process of their cases, or their access to legal counsel. Additional details about the alleged activities and supporting evidence have also not been made available.

IRGC Intelligence Organization: At least 127 People Arrested in Three Provinces

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the identification and arrest of at least 127 individuals in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. The organization claims that these individuals, including media activists, Baha’i citizens, people affiliated with opposition groups, and “spy teams”, were involved in activities linked to what it described as “networks affiliated with foreign governments.”

According to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced in a statement the arrest of dozens of individuals. The organization stated that “cells affiliated with the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom” had been identified and “dismantled” in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. In the statement, those arrested were accused of actions such as “network-building, espionage, market disruption, and planning unrest.”

According to the claims made, seven individuals were arrested in East Azerbaijan province for alleged connections with “monarchist” groups. In Mazandaran province, authorities reported the arrest of 69 individuals who, according to the organization, face accusations including ties to anti-government movements and so-called “economic mercenary” activities.

The report further states that the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman province announced the identification and action taken against 51 individuals. It claimed that among them were three “spy teams” linked to foreign intelligence services, two groups of Baha’i citizens, a four-member “armed operational cell affiliated with monarchist groups,” and six media operatives connected to the “Iran International” network. According to the organization, these individuals were attempting to disrupt the market and organize unrest through contacts outside the country.

The statement also claimed that quantities of weapons and communication equipment were discovered at locations where these individuals were held.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the identities of those arrested, their place of detention, or the legal process of their cases. Additionally, despite the scale of the reported figures and the accusations made, no specific details have been provided regarding the evidence for these charges, the manner of the arrests, or the exact nature of their alleged connections.

Two Teenagers Killed by IRGC Forces in Golshan County

HRANA – On Monday, April 13, 2026, two teenagers were killed after being targeted by indiscriminate gunfire from military forces in the Kalgān border region of Golshan County.

Haal Vsh has confirmed the identities of the victims as Ali Siahani, approximately 18 years old, and Omran Siahani, approximately 17 years old. Both were residents of Kalgān, a district of Golshan County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

According to the report, on Monday, April 13, the two teenagers had gone to the Kalgān border area to take their flock of sheep when they were shot at without prior warning by IRGC forces and lost their lives.

Omran Siahani died at the scene after being struck by two bullets to the heart. Ali Siahani, who was injured by gunfire, died later in hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

As of the time of this report, domestic media outlets have not commented on the incident.

According to HRA’s annual report on the human rights situation in Iran, in 1404 Hijri year, at least 32,820 citizens were targeted by gunfire from military or security forces. This figure includes the deaths of 15 Kolbars (border porters), 23 fuel carriers, and 6,784 citizens, as well as injuries to 22 Kolbars, 25,963 civilians, and 13 fuel carriers.

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A Citizen Arrested in Marvdasht for Selling VPNs

HRANA – The police commander of Marvdasht County announced the arrest of a 24-year-old man for selling VPNs on social media.

According to Fars News Agency, a citizen was arrested in Marvdasht. Colonel Fariborz Mardani, the police commander of Marvdasht, stated that following cyber police intelligence monitoring on social networks, an unidentified Telegram channel engaged in extensive advertising for VPN sales was identified.

According to him, investigations showed that the admin of this channel had been selling VPNs online through various methods.

He added that after technical and specialized measures, and in coordination with judicial authorities, the identity of one of the main suspects in this case, a 24-year-old resident of Marvdasht, was identified, and he was arrested. The individual’s bank accounts have also been frozen.

At Least 45 Citizens Arrested by The Ministry of Intelligence Across 7 Provinces

HRANA – At least 45 citizens have been arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the provinces of Khuzestan, Gilan, Isfahan, Hormozgan, Hamedan, Kerman, and Kermanshah. Alleged links to Israeli and U.S. intelligence services, as well as media outlets based outside the country, were cited among the reasons for these arrests. A video containing the forced confession of one of these citizens has also been released, although the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Ministry of Intelligence of Iran claimed that 11 citizens, including the main network leader allegedly linked to Israeli intelligence services, were identified and arrested in Isfahan Province.

The statement further alleged that these citizens are accused of killing a Basij member and one Ministry of Intelligence agent in Khuzestan, as well as injuring several other Basij members. It also claimed that over the past two months, 11 other members of this “terrorist group” had been arrested, while five others were killed during an armed clash with security forces.

Separately, a video of the forced confession of one of these citizens has been published, though the conditions under which it was recorded are unknown.

The Ministry of Intelligence also announced the arrest of four citizens in Khuzestan and Kermanshah Provinces. The agency alleged that these individuals intended to carry out “sabotage” operations and were identified and arrested in the cities of Andimeshk and Qasr-e Shirin. According to the Ministry, “a number of weapons were discovered and seized from these citizens.”

In the same statement, the Ministry of Intelligence reported the arrest of 30 more citizens in four provinces, describing them as “members of a terrorist group linked to Israeli intelligence services.”

According to the agency, four citizens were arrested in Gilan Province, eight in Kerman Province, six in Hamedan Province, and 12 in Hormozgan Province. It also claimed that quantities of homemade bombs and weapons were discovered and confiscated from them.

The report did not provide further details, including the identities of these citizens or their place of detention.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.

Six Citizens Arrested in Hormozgan and Qazvin Provinces

HRANA – Five citizens, including two women, were arrested in Hormozgan Province over alleged ties to a media outlet based outside the country. Separately, the police commander of Qazvin Province announced the arrest of another citizen in the city on suspicion of espionage.

According to Mehr News Agency, five citizens were arrested in Hormozgan Province. Hormozgan’s police force stated that the five individuals, three men and two women, were identified and arrested for allegedly being in contact, through Internet, with the “head of a network and hostile foreign media outlets.”

In a separate report, Modara News reported the arrest of a citizen in Qazvin. According to this report, quoting the police commander of Qazvin Province, the individual had allegedly been in contact with a “spy handler linked to hostile countries” and had facilitated the targeting of one of Qazvin’s industrial units.

Ilam: 8 Citizens Arrested by IRGC Intelligence Agents

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization in Ilam has announced the arrest of eight citizens on accusations described as “cooperation with anti-government groups and foreign media outlets, along with direct contact with Mossad.”

According to HRANA, citing Shahr News Agency, the arrests were carried out by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Ilam. The institution stated that the charges against these individuals include “cooperation with groups opposed to the government and foreign media outlets (Iran International), as well as direct contact with Mossad.”

The report does not provide further details, including the identities of the detainees or their place of detention.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.

Several Foreign Nationals Arrested by Intelligence Agents in Abadan

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization in Khuzestan announced in a statement that several foreign nationals have been arrested in Abadan. The reason given for their arrest was “collective illegal entry into Iran from neighboring countries during a sensitive period.”

According to ILNA, the Valiasr Intelligence Organization of the IRGC in Khuzestan reported the arrest of several foreign nationals in Abadan. The statement said: “These foreign nationals had entered the country illegally from neighboring countries during the country’s sensitive period and had taken up residence in a location. They were arrested collectively and handed over to the judicial authorities.”

The report does not provide any details regarding the identities, number, nationality, or place of detention of those arrested.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.