Tag: HRANA

At Least 36 Citizens Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, Nahavand

HRANA – The Law Enforcement Command of West Azerbaijan Province has reported the arrest of 25 citizens. Additionally, the police commander of Nahavand announced that 11 others have been arrested by order of the county’s prosecutor. These arrests were carried out on charges such as “acting against national security” and “filming destruction and sending it to foreign networks.”

According to Tasnim, the Law Enforcement Command of West Azerbaijan Province reported the arrest of 25 individuals. This police official stated that the reason for these arrests was “filming destruction and sending it to foreign networks.”

Mehr News Agency also reported, citing the police commander of Nahavand, that 11 individuals were arrested on charges of acting against national security, by order of the county prosecutor.

These reports do not provide further details, including the identities of those arrested, the time and location of the arrests, or their place of detention.

Since February 28, Iranian territory has been targeted by military attacks by Israel and the United States; for more information, you can refer to HRANA’s report on the twentieth day following the start of these attacks, which was published last night.

Day 20 of the U.S.-Israeli War on Iran: The Fire of War Reaches the Caspian Sea

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News, Other
Asaluyeh, Civilian Casualties, HRANA, Military Casualties, U.S.-Israeli War

HRANA– In the last 24 hours, and as of March 19, 2026, at 17:00 ET, HRANA has recorded at least 70 attacks across 63 incidents in 12 provinces, resulting in a total of at least 75 casualties (killed and injured, both civilian and military). Today’s attacks, for the first time, targeted areas in the Caspian Sea region. At the same time, extensive strikes were carried out on Iran’s oil and gas facilities in Asaluyeh.

According to information recorded and verified by HRANA, from the first minutes of the day until the end of March 19, 2026 (Tehran time), at least 25 civilians were killed and 5 civilians injured.

Aggregated data since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, 2026, based on incidents recorded in the incident tab and using minimum values for figures marked “more than”:

• Civilian fatalities: 1,394 people (including at least 210 children)

• Military fatalities: 1153 people

• Unclassified fatalities (civilian/military): 639 people

1. Overview of Incidents in the Last 24 Hours

In the last 24 hours, incidents were reported across multiple provinces, reflecting a geographically dispersed pattern of hostilities.  In a large portion of the incidents, the method/type of attack has not yet been confirmed and has been recorded as “undetermined.” In cases where the attack type was identifiable, airstrikes and drone attacks were reported.

Preliminary analysis indicates that Tehran Province, accounting for 36% of all recorded attacks, ranks first among the provinces targeted. Fars Province follows with 13%, while the provinces of Azerbaijan and Hormozgan each account for 10%, placing them next. The list continues with Hormozgan, Isfahan, and Alborz provinces, respectively.

Distribution of attacks

In the past 24 hours, the recorded attacks have damaged 14 distinct objects or facilities. These include a range of different types of targets. In some cases, damage caused by nearby strikes or secondary consequences of the attacks has also been reported.

Examples of targets recorded over the past 24 hours:

• Haidar Karrar Base (Absard)

• Basij Qaramaq Base (Tabriz)

• Sarastan Launcher (Khorramshahr)

• Missile Site (Borazjan)

• Non-residential Area (Kerman vicinity)

For a number of the listed targets, the exact nature of the target (civilian/military/dual-use) is still under review, and classifications may be revised as additional information becomes available.

Facilities Protected Under International Humanitarian Law:

Under international humanitarian law, medical facilities, educational institutions, humanitarian facilities, religious sites, and emergency service centers are among the many objects that maintain special protected status and are afforded special protection. In the past 24 hours, HRANA has preliminarily recorded the following cases:

• Electronics Industries (Shiraz)

• Refinery (Shahr-e Rey)

• Majidiyeh Residential Area (Tehran)

• Customs Administration (Bandar Anzali)

• Bandarass Coastal Recreational Complex (Bandar Anzali)

3. Civilian Casualties

In the past 24 hours, at least 25 civilians, including 3 children, have been killed, and 5 civilians, including one woman, have been injured. All classifications are preliminary and may be updated as new information becomes available.

4. Military Casualties

During the reporting period, 15 military personnel were killed. Military casualties are generally reported in the context of attacks on Army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bases. Where possible, organizational affiliation and operational context are being assessed; however, not all details have yet been independently verified.

In some incidents, individuals have been killed in the vicinity of military targets; however, their official status has not yet been definitively determined. These cases remain under review, and if reliable information indicating a different status becomes available, the classification may be revised accordingly.

It is believed that military casualties are significantly higher than the figures reported in these reports. However, due to the sensitive nature of military information and the limited access of human rights groups and media to locations where military forces are present, this section largely reflects reports of senior officers or military personnel who were present in urban areas.

5. Confirmed but Unspecified Casualties

Of the reported casualties in the past 24 hours, 12 deaths and 18 injuries remain classified as unverified, meaning that HRANA has not yet been able to determine with sufficient certainty whether these individuals were civilians or military personnel.

Burials: Today, 18 burials resulting from attacks in previous days have been recorded.

A Note on HRANA Methodology

Note that, in line with HRANA policy, this report reflects only incidents that occurred within the territorial borders of Iran.

The information contained in this report is compiled through HRANA’s established documentation network. Data is collected from a combination of field reports, local contacts, medical and emergency sources, civil society networks, and open source materials, including publicly available images, videos, and official statements where relevant. Each reported incident is logged and assessed through an internal review process before publication.

Given the evolving nature of hostilities, information is gathered on a rolling basis and reflects the status of documentation at the time of publication.

The figures presented in this report may not reflect the full scope of harm. Ongoing hostilities, damage to infrastructure, communication disruptions, restricted access to affected areas, and security risks for sources may limit the ability to document incidents comprehensively.

Delays in medical reporting, difficulties in confirming identities, and restricted access to certain provinces may result in temporary undercounting. As access improves or additional evidence emerges, casualty figures and incident classifications may be revised accordingly.

HRANA remains committed to transparency, methodological rigor, and the continual updating of its findings as new verified information becomes available.

A Statistical Overview of Human Rights Violations in Iran in the Hijri Year 1404

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News, Other, Publications
children’s rights, Crimson Winter, HRA, HRANA, human rights violations, Women's rights, worker's rights

HRANA – The year 1404 (Hijri calendar) paints a stark picture of ongoing human rights violations in Iran. The ongoing threat to freedom of thought and expression, bloody crackdown on peaceful protesters, increasing pressure on ethnic groups and religious minorities, the prosecution and harassment of human rights activists, the execution of juveniles, the issue of child labor, violations of women’s rights, and the poor conditions of detention centers and prisons are only some examples of the daily violations of human rights in Iran.

The comprehensive report by HRA’s Statistics and Documentation Center, presented below, outlines a deeply concerning human rights situation in Iran over the past year.

During this period (March 21, 2025 to March 20, 2026), a total of 78,907 citizens were arrested in Iran on ideological or political grounds, or in clear violation of fundamental human rights principles. Notably, 78,126 of these arrests were linked to cases involving freedom of thought and expression.

During the same period, the nationwide protests between December 2025 and February 2026 can be regarded as one of the most complex and multi-layered waves of unrest in the past two decades. These demonstrations differed markedly from previous protests in their geographical reach, the extent of repression, and the nature of the government’s response.

Taken together, these developments point to one of the most significant periods of repression in recent years, particularly in terms of the scale of arrests. However, due to internet shutdowns during the protests and subsequent restrictions, the actual number of arrests is likely higher than recorded, with some cases remaining outside statistical coverage due to limited access to information. For more details, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” which documents the first fifty days after the start of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Freedom of Thought and Expression

In 1404, at least 78,126 individuals were arrested for expressing their thoughts and opinions, of whom at least 228 were detained without a judicial warrant. Additionally, there were 250 cases of physical assault, 126 trials, 75 home searches, 15 instances of publications being declared criminal, 26 cases of internet filtering, 1 case of confiscation of a home and property, 793 protest gatherings, 11,744 summonses to security and judicial bodies, and 74 cases of prison sentences being carried out.

Over the past year, in violation of citizens’ right to freedom of expression, Iran’s judiciary issued a total of at least 13,812 months of imprisonment for 332 individuals. Of this amount, 13,173 months were discretionary prison sentences, and 639 months were suspended sentences. Notably, 1,693 months of these sentences were issued by appellate courts and 816 months by the Supreme Court.

In addition, 64 individuals were fined a total of 2,640.8 million tomans, 13 individuals were sentenced to 624 lashes, 13 individuals were sentenced to 492 months of exile, and 46 individuals were sentenced to deprivation of social rights.

Over the past year, Iran witnessed nationwide protests between December 2025 and February 2026, widely known as the January protests, which are considered one of the most widespread, complex, and multi-layered waves of unrest in the past two decades. These protests differed significantly from previous movements not only in terms of their geographical scope, intensity of violence, and scale of repression, but also in their underlying dynamics, the composition of participants, and the nature of the government’s response.

According to aggregated data from HRANA, during these protests, the number of confirmed fatalities reached 6,724 protesters, including 236 children. In addition to these confirmed figures, 11,744 cases remain under review, with the verification process still ongoing. Furthermore, at least 25,877 individuals sustained severe injuries, and the total number of arrests has been reported at 53,777.

Overall, 203 cities across all 31 provinces of the country witnessed protests on 682 occasions. In some cases, due to the heavy presence and strict control of security and military forces, protesters were unable to take to the streets, and demonstrations took other forms. Based on the 2016 census, the population of these 203 cities is estimated at 44,866,746—accounting for more than half of the country’s total population.

In addition to 627 instances of widespread street protests, 36 universities also became sites of student demonstrations, with 55 protest gatherings recorded across academic settings.

Annual Statistical Comparison of Arrests in the Past Five Years (Freedom of Thought and Expression)
YearNumber of ArrestsArrests per
Million People		Percentage Change
Compared to Previous Year
14001,41916+ %5,405
140128,64732+ %172,7
14022,49638.6+ %3,030
14031,30014.2+ %5,909
140478,126845,4–

Workers’ Rights

Over the past year, a total of 1,709 reports were recorded related to labor rights, based on which 20 individuals were arrested. Additionally, 2 workers or labor activists were sentenced to a combined 75 months of discretionary imprisonment and fines totaling 30 million tomans. It is also noteworthy that 9 summonses to security and judicial authorities, 5 interrogations, 2 trials, 2 cases of self-immolation, 724 protests, and 390 strikes were recorded.

In 1404, reports of delayed or unpaid wages amounted to at least 672 months across 188 industrial and service units. Additionally, there were 2,457 dismissals or layoffs, 658 cases of unemployment, 560 months without work insurance coverage, 9 factory closures, and 2,259 workers left in uncertain conditions.

Workers’ Rights-1404

Trade and Labor Unions

In 1404, a total of 914 reports related to trade and unions groups were recorded by HRA’s Statistics and Documentation Center. According to these reports, a total of 39 union activists were arrested. Additionally, there were 44 summonses to judicial and security authorities, 191 cases of business closures (sealed premises), 2 instances of physical assault, 1 license revocation, 17 trials in judicial bodies, 4 interrogations by security institutions, 18 dismissals or layoffs, 407 cases of forced retirement, 757 protests, at least 41 strikes, at least 105 months of delayed wages, 4 home searches, and 4 cases of prison sentences being carried out.

Furthermore, 46 individuals were sentenced to a total of 347 months of imprisonment, including 344 months of discretionary sentences and 3 months of suspended sentences. Of this total, 89 months were issued by appellate courts. In addition, 2 individuals were sentenced to 120 months of exile, 2 individuals to 148 lashes, and 27 individuals were fined a total of 359.1 million tomans.

Trade and Labor Unions-1404

Prisoners’ Rights

Regarding prisoners’ rights in 1404, documented violations included 25 cases of physical assault against prisoners, 182 instances of denial or lack of access to medical care for prisoners and detainees, 307 transfers to solitary confinement, and 172 hunger strikes by prisoners and detainees.

Additionally, there were 38 cases of forced transfers, 187 instances of threats and pressure against political and ideological prisoners, 28 cases of denial of visitation, 14 deaths due to illness, 17 suicides, and 4 cases of murder of prisoners.

Further violations included 108 cases of denial of access to legal counsel, 256 instances of deprivation of the right to phone contact, 14 cases of failure to separate prisoners based on charges, 2,520 cases of detention in inappropriate conditions, 398 instances of forced confessions, and 11 cases of denial of medical leave.

Moreover, 716 cases of enforced disappearance (lack of information on detainees’ whereabouts) and 1,390 cases of detainees being kept in uncertain or unresolved legal status were documented.

Prisoners’ Rights-1404

Executions

As in previous decades following the 1979 revolution, executions remain one of the most prominent manifestations of human rights violations in Iran. In 1404, at least 2,488 individuals were executed, including 63 women and 2 juvenile offenders. Of these, 13 executions were carried out in public.

During the same period, 130 individuals, including 10 women and 1 juvenile offender, were sentenced to death, of whom 4 were sentenced to public execution. It should also be noted that, within this timeframe, the initial death sentences of an additional 45 individuals were upheld by the Supreme Court.

Annual Statistical Comparison of Executions in the Past Five Years
YearNumber of
Executions		Executions
per Million People		Percentage Change
Compared to Previous Year
14003514.0+ %608.8
14016206.9+ %301.2
14027718.5+ %222.6
1403106912.0+ %132.7
1404248826.94–

 

Execution Rate by Province (Executions Per 100,000 People)
ProvincePopulationNumber of
Executions		Execution
Rate
Razavi Khorasan7,109,0002353.31
Alborz3,028,0002006.61
Isfahan5,429,0001783.28
Fars5,136,0001492.9
Lorestan1,792,0001307.26
Khuzestan5,115,0001292.52
Kerman3,413,0001012.96
Hamedan1,769,000985.54
East Azerbaijan4,092,000842.05
South Khorasan845,000799.35
Markazi1,472,000795.37
Qom1,454,000795.43
Sistan and
Baluchestan		3,280,000762.32
Yazd1,314,000755.71
Gilan2,569,000742.88
Semnan787,000729.15
Mazandaran3,415,000681.99
West Azerbaijan3,529,000651.84
Kermanshah1,999,000623.1
Qazvin1,346,000584.31
Zanjan1,119,000534.74
Golestan2,016,000512.53
North Khorasan875,000434.91
Kohgiluyeh and
Boyer-Ahmad		759,000435.67
Bushehr1,277,000413.21
Hormozgan2,018,000391.93
Ilam597,000294.86
Kurdistan1,689,000281.66
Ardabil1,299,000221.69
Chaharmahal and
Bakhtiari		997,000191.91
Annual Statistical Comparison of Arrests in the Past Five Years (Ethnic Minorities’ Rights)
YearNumber of ArrestsArrests per
Million People		Percentage Change
Compared to Previous Year
14003584.05– %42.1
14012424.73– %14.4
14023714.09– %44.2
14033323.63– %37.6
14042072.24–

 

Ethnic Minorities’ Rights-1404

Religious Minority Rights

In 1404, a total of 190 reports on violations of religious minority rights in Iran were recorded, according to which 169 citizens were arrested. Additionally, a total of 6,927 months of discretionary imprisonment and 798 months of suspended sentences were issued for 95 individuals. Of this total, 3,837 months were handed down by lower courts and 3,888 months by appellate courts.

Furthermore, 26 individuals were fined a total of 4,739 million tomans, and 9 individuals were sentenced to 288 months of exile.

In addition, 141 summonses to judicial and security authorities, 37 trials, 51 interrogations, 1 case of cemetery destruction, 126 home searches, 33 travel bans, 40 cases of prison sentences being carried out, 33 cases of confiscation of homes and property, and 10 cases of prevention of economic activity were reported.

Annual Statistical Comparison of Arrests in the Past Five Years (Religious Minorities’ Rights)
YearNumber of ArrestsArrests per
Million People		Percentage Change
Compared to Previous Year
1400670.76+ %152.2
14011751.95– %3.4
14021481.63+ %14.1
14031241.35+ %36.2
14041691.83–
Judicial Authorities Issuing the Most Sentences in Religious Minorities’ Rights
Judge NameCourt BranchNumber
of Cases		Prison Sentences
(Months)		Fine
(Million
Toman)
SabzevariBranch 2 of Revolutionary Court, Karaj880–
Abbasali HouzanBranch 36 of the Court of Appeals, Tehran Province81002910
Ashkan RameshBranch 1 of Revolutionary Court, Varamin5495–
Abolghasem SalavatiBranch 15 of Revolutionary Court, Tehran5660–
Hassan FathnejadBranch 3 of Revolutionary Court, Tabriz22882000

 

Religious Minority Rights

Protests and Strikes

At least 2,551 protest gatherings took place across Iran. These included 724 labor protests, 757 guild and trade union gatherings, 793 protests related to freedom of thought and expression, 40 demonstrations concerning the right to education, and 32 related to environmental issues.

Additionally, 205 protest gatherings were held across all 31 provinces by citizens—many of them defrauded investors or individuals whose civil rights had been violated. Alongside these demonstrations, at least 41 union strikes and 390 labor strikes were also recorded.

Killing of Citizens

Throughout 1404, a total of 32,820 citizens were targeted by gunfire from military forces. Of these, 6,822 lost their lives, including 15 Kolbars (border porters), 23 Sookhtbars (fuel carriers), and 6,784 other citizens.

Additionally, 25,998 citizens were injured as a result of indiscriminate shootings by military personnel, including 22 Kolbars, 25,963 ordinary citizens, and 13 Sookhtbars.

It should also be noted that 8 other Kolbars were affected by environmental and geographical conditions, such as hypothermia, pursuit by military forces, and falls from height, resulting in 4 being injured and 4 losing their lives. Moreover, 84 Sookhtbars were involved in incidents during pursuits by military forces, of whom 76 were killed and 8 injured.

Furthermore, during the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026 (9 Esfand 1404), an attack on the “Shajareh Tayyebeh” girls’ school in Minab resulted in the deaths of a number of students. According to reported figures, at least 168 people were killed and 95 others injured in this attack.

Since the onset of these hostilities, the number of civilian casualties has reached 1,369, including at least 207 children. Additionally, the status of 627 other individuals remains unclear, as it has not been determined whether they were civilians or military personnel.

Killing of Citizens-1404

Landmine and Explosion Victims

Landmines left over from past conflicts continue to threaten the lives of residents in border regions each year. The Iranian government also continues to produce and deploy anti-personnel mines and, contrary to international conventions, maintains that their use is the only effective way to secure the country’s long borders.

According to data from the past year, at least 19 citizens lost their lives due to landmine explosions in border areas, while 20 others were injured.

Landmine and Explosion Victims-1404

Flogging and Amputation Sentences

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights explicitly prohibits the use of degrading punishments that violate human dignity, such as flogging and amputation. Nevertheless, according to data collected in 1404, sentences of flogging were carried out for at least 2 defendants, who had been collectively sentenced by Iranian judicial authorities to 48 lashes.

In addition, the judiciary issued sentences totaling 3,684 lashes for at least 82 individuals. Furthermore, amputation sentences were carried out for 6 defendants who had been convicted by Iranian courts, while 5 others were also sentenced to amputation.

Flogging and Amputation Sentences-1404

Arrests

Over the past year, the arrest of 78,907 citizens in Iran represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of expression, political freedom, and other fundamental human rights. Among these, 78,126 cases were directly related to the exercise of freedom of thought and expression.

Other notable cases include the arrest of 20 workers and labor activists, 343 individuals under the age of 18, 39 union activists, 169 members of religious minorities, and 207 individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Regarding the latter group, although the charges against 234 individuals remain unclear, these arrests have been classified as violations of ethnic and national minority rights based on available indicators and the documented pattern of conduct by security institutions.

Additionally, at least 3 arrests were recorded for non-compliance with compulsory hijab and for women singing in public spaces.

Statistical Comparison of Arrests over the Past Five Years
YearNumber of ArrestsArrests per
Million People		Percentage Change
Compared to Previous Year
1400188421.3+ %4,088
140129,95033.4+ %163.4
14023,86442.7+ %1,942
14032,49127.2+ %3,067
140478,907847.5–

Arrests-1404

Convictions

In 1404, judicial authorities across the country issued rulings in 483 cases, sentencing defendants in political or security-related cases to a total of 20,832 months of discretionary imprisonment and 1,440 months of suspended sentences. Of this total, 15,585 months were issued by lower courts, 5,847 months by appellate courts, and 840 months by the Supreme Court.

In addition, the judiciary imposed fines totaling 7,409.8 million tomans, as well as 3,684 lashes, 59 travel bans, 101 cases of deprivation of social rights, and 900 months of internal exile.

Five-year comparison of convictions based on the number of individuals
YearNumber of individuals
Convicted		Percentage Change
Compared to Previous Year
1400310+ %55.8
14011,075– %55
1402843– %42.7
1403744– %35
1404483–
Five-Year Comparison of Convictions Based on the Total Months of Imprisonment Issued
YearNumber of months of
imprisonment		Percentage Change
Compared to Previous Year
140013,316+ %67.2
140133,671– %33.8
140233,790– %34
140327,857– %20
140422,272–

Convictions-1404

Judicial officials with the highest number of sentences issued over the past year
PictureJudge NameCourt BranchNumber
of Cases		Prison Sentences
(Months)		Fine
(Million
Toman)
Iman AfshariIman AfshariBranch 36 of Revolutionary Court, Tehran17705313.3
AnsariAli AnsariBranch 101 of Criminal Court No. 2, Oshnavieh15326–
Abbasali HouzanBranch 36 of the Court of Appeals, Tehran Province1313711110
Ehsan Adibi MehrBranch 1 of Revolutionary Court, Ahvaz11720–
SabzevariBranch 2 of Revolutionary Court, Karaj11172–
SalavatiAbolghasem SalavatiBranch 15 of Revolutionary Court, Tehran111296–
Yaser GuzaliBranch 1 of Revolutionary Court, Mahabad9268–
VelaeiBranch 101 of Criminal Court No. 2, Miandoab927–
Ahad SiamiBranch 2 of Revolutionary Court, Mahabad6720–
Ashkan RameshBranch 1 of Revolutionary Court, Varamin5495–

In conclusion, it should be noted that the statistics presented in this report cannot be considered a complete reflection of the human rights situation in Iran. This is due to the fact that the Iranian government does not allow independent human rights organizations to operate freely or access necessary sources.

Therefore, these findings should be regarded as a minimum estimate of the human rights situation in Iran, based solely on data reported by civil institutions, including HRANA, and compiled and documented by the organization’s Statistics Center.

For further information, readers are encouraged to consult the organization’s 2025 annual report, which has been recently published.

Iran Executes Three Men Arrested During January Protests in Qom

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Executions, News
HRANA, Mehdi Ghasemi, Qom, Saeed Davoudi, Saleh Mohammadi

HRANA – The Judiciary’s media center has announced the execution of Mehdi Ghasemi, Saleh Mohammadi, and Saeed Davoudi in Qom. Their sentences were carried out today, Thursday, March 19, 2026. These prisoners were arrested during the January protests in Qom and were later sentenced to death on charges including moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to Mizan News Agency, the individuals have been identified as Mehdi Ghasemi, Saleh Mohammadi, and Saeed Davoudi. The report claims that “during the protests of January 8, 2026, these individuals, using various bladed weapons in two locations, Nokouei Crossroads and Nobovat Square in Qom, separately attacked two officers of the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA), and by throwing swords, knives, and machetes, killed Abbas Asadi and Mohammad Ghasemi Hamapour.”

According to the report, during the initial trial stages, these prisoners faced charges including:
“moharebeh through drawing cold weapons during illegal gatherings and protests leading to the murder of law enforcement agents; operational action in favor of the Israeli regime and the hostile government of the United States of America and their affiliated elements; inciting people to war and killing with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Ultimately, they were sentenced to death. Among them, Mehdi Ghasemi and Saleh Mohammadi were each sentenced to qisas (retribution in kind) and execution, while Saeed Davoudi was sentenced to execution.

The report adds that after the sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court, it was carried out this morning “in the presence of a group of people in Qom.”

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran, and after two days expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the largest waves of demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown on the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” which documents the first fifty days after the start of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Day 19 of the U.S.-Israeli War on Iran: Widespread Strikes on Oil and Gas Facilities

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News, Other
Civilian Casualties, HRANA, Military Casualties, U.S.-Israeli War

HRANA– In the last 24 hours, and as of March 18, 2026, at 17:00 ET, HRANA has recorded at least 79 attacks across 40 incidents in 11 provinces, resulting in a total of at least 125 casualties (killed and injured, both civilian and military). Today’s attacks targeted areas in the Caspian Sea region for the first time. At the same time, extensive strikes were carried out against Iran’s oil and gas facilities in Asaluyeh.

According to information recorded and verified by HRANA, from the first minutes of the day until the end of March 18, 2026 (Tehran time), at least 15 civilians were killed and 105 civilians injured.

Aggregated data since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, 2026, based on incidents recorded in the incident tab and using minimum values for figures marked “more than”:

• Civilian fatalities: 1,369 people (including at least 207 children)

• Military fatalities: 1138 people

• Unclassified fatalities (civilian/military): 627 people

1. Overview of Incidents in the Last 24 Hours

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Day 18 of the U.S.-Israeli War on Iran: Report of 179 Strikes

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News, Other
Civilian Casualties, HRANA, Military Casualties, U.S.-Israeli War

HRANA– In the last 24 hours, and as of March 17, 2026, at 17:00 ET, HRANA has recorded at least 179 attacks across 89 incidents in 17 provinces, resulting in a total of at least 19 casualties (killed and injured, both civilian and military). Reports today indicate that drone attacks targeting police forces and checkpoints, even in densely populated urban areas, have occurred more frequently than in previous days.

Two Protesters Arrested in Ilam

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Ilam

HRANA  – Two citizens were arrested today in Ilam for what authorities described as “blocking roads and chanting protest slogans.”

According to HRANA, citing the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) news agency, the two citizens were arrested today, March 17, 2026. Authorities claimed the arrests were made due to “creating roadblocks, chanting slogans, and threatening citizens.”

The detainees have been accused of cooperating with Israel and the United States and of intending to disrupt public order.

The report does not disclose the identities of the arrested individuals or where they are being held.

Since February 28, Iranian territory has been targeted by military attacks by Israel and the United States. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s report on the seventeenth day after the start of these attacks, published last night.

Day 17 of the U.S.-Israeli War on Iran: Increase in Civilian Casualties

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News, Other
Civilian fatalities, HRANA, irgc, Military fatalities

HRANA– In the last 24 hours, and as of March 16, 2026, at 17:00 ET, HRANA has recorded at least 243 attacks across 117 incidents in 17 provinces, resulting in a total of at least 66 casualties (killed and injured, both civilian and military). Reports today indicate that 65% of the attacks have been concentrated on Tehran Province.

According to information recorded and verified by HRANA, from the first minutes of the day until the end of March 16, 2026 (Tehran time), at least 21 civilians were killed and 31 civilians injured.

Aggregated data since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, 2026, based on incidents recorded in the incident tab and using minimum values for figures marked “more than”:

• Civilian fatalities: 1,351 people (including at least 207 children)

• Military fatalities: 1126 people

• Unclassified fatalities (civilian/military): 622 people

Note on Official Statements: Alongside HRANA’s independent reporting, several aggregated figures from official sources were also reported today by state-affiliated media, including:

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed in a statement that more than 6,000 locations in Iran have so far been targeted by U.S. warplanes.

Tavakoli, head of Tehran Emergency Services, said in a televised interview: “Since the beginning of the war, we have had 5,700 injured and 503 killed.” The figures appear to be limited to Tehran.

Government spokesperson Mohajerani, during a press conference, stated: “The number of women killed in the Ramadan War has reached 226, while 3,002 women have been injured. Two pregnant mothers were also killed.”

Since these figures are presented in aggregate form and cannot be precisely matched with specific incidents, they have not been included in the event-based calculations used in HRANA’s independent reporting in this overview. They are mentioned here solely as a record of official statements.

1. Overview of Incidents in the Last 24 Hours

UN Special Rapporteur: Islamic Republic Responded to January Protests with Gunfire, Internet Shutdowns, and Threats of Execution

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mai Sato, nationwide protests, Sahand Naseri

HRANA – Mai Sato, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, in her latest report to the Human Rights Council, has highlighted the violent suppression of nationwide protests in January, widespread internet and communications shutdowns, and the worsening human rights crisis in Iran following military attacks by Israel and the United States. She emphasized that the use of lethal force against protesters, concealing the scale of the crackdown through communications blackouts, and the use of charges carrying the death penalty to silence dissent have been key elements of this crisis.

According to HRANA, Mai Sato’s latest report, presented today, Monday, March 16, at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, reviews the human rights situation in Iran between January 2025 and February 2026. However, its main focus is the nationwide protests that began on December 28, 2025.

Sato states that “severe economic hardship ignited demonstrations that rapidly spread into a nationwide movement spanning all 31 provinces, with people from diverse ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, including children, demanding fundamental change in governance.”

In the report, Iran’s government’s response to the protests is described as “some of the most severe violence deployed against protesters in
recent history.” Sato writes that she has received numerous accounts indicating the excessive and lethal use of force against protesters, including the use of military weapons and shotguns, firing from elevated positions, and targeting vital areas of the body such as the head and chest. She stresses that shooting into unarmed crowds and the use of lethal force are incompatible with international standards and states that the government’s official narrative portraying the protests as “terrorist” activity is not supported by the available evidence.

One of the most important sections of the report concerns the number of those killed. According to a statement by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on January 22, authorities of the Islamic Republic announced the death toll at 3,117 people. However, Mai Sato’s report—citing HRANA—states that at least 7,015 confirmed deaths had been recorded by February 15. This figure includes at least 6,508 protesters, among them 226 children, and 214 members of security forces. In addition, the report notes that 11,744 other deaths are still under review. Sato emphasizes that even this conservative estimate is more than twice the official figure released by the government, and that the gap between official statistics and field data adds to the suffering of families who are still searching for their loved ones.

In one case specifically highlighted in the report, Sahand Naseri, a 15-year-old teenager who was shot in the chest and killed during protests in Karaj, is presented as a symbol of a young generation that took to the streets with hope for the future but was met with deadly violence. Sato uses this case to illustrate the deep gap between the government’s official narrative and the human reality of the protests.

The report also presents a concerning picture of the situation of detainees. Sato writes “the total number of current detainees connected to the nationwide protests remains unknown, leaving families with no certainty about whether their loved ones are alive and, if so, where they are being held.” According to the report, Iranian domestic media reported on January 16 that around 3,000 people had been arrested, but data collected by civil society organizations suggests “that total arrests may run into tens of thousands, with arrestees including protesters, medical professionals, children and students, artists and writers, lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders. By mid-February, the judiciary’s spokesperson confirmed over 10,500 people had been referred for prosecution and nearly 9,000 indicted. Most worryingly, at least 30 individuals, including two children aged 17, are reportedly facing the death penalty in connection with the nationwide protests, following expedited judicial proceedings.”

Another major focus of the report is the communications blackout and internet shutdown. Sato states that on January 8, 2026, the Iranian government “imposed a near-total shutdown of telecommunications services nationwide. Both international connectivity and significant elements of domestic communications were disrupted. The shutdown significantly disrupted protest coordination and access to emergency services, financial transactions and essential communications, leaving many families unable to determine the fate or whereabouts of detained or injured relatives for days. The imposition of telecommunications shutdowns in parallel with the use of force, discussed below, creates conditions that shield human rights violations from scrutiny.”

Sato describes this situation as evidence of the use of “communications infrastructure as an instrument of repression.” She considers the National Information Network, control over access to the global internet, the collection of user data, and new restrictive policies to be part of a broader strategy in which access to information is treated not as a right but as a revocable privilege. The report adds that the blackout has also had severe economic consequences, with some small and medium-sized businesses losing up to 80 or 90 percent of their income.

Another prominent part of the report addresses violations of medical neutrality. Sato states that during the protests, hospitals and medical centers, rather than serving as safe spaces for the wounded, became sites of repression, identification, and arrest. The report notes that security forces entered hospital wards, beat or detained doctors and nurses, confiscated patient lists, and even prevented the treatment of injured individuals. In a stark conclusion, Sato writes that the result has been the creation of a healthcare environment in which “many injured protesters abandoned treatment out of fear of arrest,” and saving lives has effectively been criminalized.

The report also addresses the broader human rights situation in Iran and points to an unprecedented increase in executions. According to the report, at least 1,639 people were executed in Iran in 2025, a figure that represents a significant increase compared to the previous year. Sato warns that security-related charges carrying the death penalty, such as moharebeh (enmity against God), efsad-e fel-arz (corruption on earth), and espionage, are increasingly being used as tools to suppress political dissent, and that the same pattern is now visible in cases related to the nationwide protests.

In the final section of the report, Sato also refers to developments that occurred after the report had been finalized, noting that the human rights situation in Iran has worsened following military attacks by Israel and the United States. She describes these attacks as inconsistent with the United Nations Charter and as violations of the principle prohibiting the use of force, while also expressing concern about Iran’s retaliatory attacks in the region. According to the report, attacks on civilians, schools, and medical facilities have been among the incidents reported following these developments. At the same time, conditions in prisons have also deteriorated, including severe shortages of food and medical services for prisoners. Sato stresses that “illegal military intervention should not be mistaken for a solution to the human rights situation in Iran,” and that any resolution must be based on the rule of law, the will of the Iranian people, and full accountability for documented violations.

In conclusion, the UN Special Rapporteur describes the nationwide protests of winter 2025 as a defining moment in Iran’s human rights crisis—a moment that, in her words, has exposed the structural nature of repression in the Islamic Republic: from the use of lethal force against protesters and internet shutdowns to attacks on hospitals, forced confessions, mass arrests, and the use of the death penalty to intimidate society. She calls on Iranian authorities to release all detainees held for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights, clarify the fate of the missing, end internet shutdowns and digital repression, and conduct independent and impartial investigations into the killings and other violations that have occurred.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran, and after two days expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the largest waves of demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown on the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” which documents the first fifty days after the start of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Report on the Arrest and Release of Eight Citizens in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News
Crimson Winter, Hamed Rasoulkhani, HRANA, Javad Saraki, Khabat Dehdar, Leila Pirhadi, Mohammad Moradi, Mohammad Pirhadi, Mojgan Ilanlou, Pishva Aghapour

HRANA –  several citizens have been arrested in Mashhad and Tehran.

Based on information received by HRANA, Javad Saraki was arrested by security forces in Mashhad about a week ago and transferred to Vakilabad Prison. No information is available regarding the charges against him.

Mohammad Moradi, 48, was also arrested in Tehran on February 8 and subsequently transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. About one month after his arrest, he informed his family during a phone call that he had been transferred to an undisclosed location.

Hamed Rasoulkhani was also arrested on either January 8 or January 9 during protests in Mashhad and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in the city. Efforts by Rasoulkhani’s family to allow a lawyer access to his case have so far been unsuccessful. Rasoulkhani, one of the individuals previously detained in connection with the memorial ceremony marking the seventh day after the death of Khosrow Alikordi in Mashhad, had earlier been released from Vakilabad Prison in December after posting bail.

Meanwhile, according to Kurdpa, on Saturday, March 14, Khabat Dehdar, who had previously been arrested on February 10, was released from Sanandaj Prison after posting bail. This Sanandaj resident has previously faced security-related pressure due to his activities.

BBC Persian also reported the arrest of documentary filmmaker Mojgan Ilanlou along with her husband and daughter, Mohammad Pirhadi and Leila Pirhadi. These individuals were arrested yesterday morning by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. Ms. Ilanlou has previously faced judicial action due to her activities.

According to Kolbar News, Pishva Aghapour, a 22-year-old resident of Bukan, was arrested on March 5 and his place of detention remains unknown. The report states that his arrest was accompanied by physical violence. It also notes that he has previously faced security-related pressure.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran, and after two days expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the largest waves of demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown on the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” which documents the first fifty days after the start of Iran’s nationwide protests.