Tag: HRANA

Day 39 of the Nationwide Protests: A Lawmaker’s Remarks on the Armed Suppression of Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Esmail Kowsari, Fajr Film Festival, HRANA, iran protests, irgc

HRANA – According to the latest verified cumulative data compiled by HRANA through the end of day thirty-nine of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,883. Based on these figures, 6,445 individuals have been classified as protesters, while 164 victims fall under the category of children under the age of 18. In addition, 214 individuals affiliated with the government and 60 “civilian non-protesters” have been reported among the dead. A total of 11,280 cases remain under investigation.

During the same period, 11,021 civilian injuries were recorded. The total number of arrests reached 50,842, including 109 student arrests. HRANA has also documented 307 cases of forced confessions and 11,046 summonses. Furthermore, a total of 674 protest-related incidents were recorded across 210 cities in 31 provinces.

Today’s major developments related to the protests and their suppression can be grouped into four areas: the continued disruption of communications and a sustained, noticeable decline in internet traffic; controversies surrounding the Fajr Film Festival and public reactions from cultural figures; the ongoing wave of arrests and security pressure, alongside a statement by the Supreme Council of the Iranian Medical System on the safety of medical staff; and, at the security-political level, the publication of remarks by a lawmaker regarding a decision to pursue “armed intervention” by government forces.

Ongoing Disruptions in Communications and Internet Services; Sustained Decline in Traffic and Continued Widespread Outages

Reports from day thirty-nine indicate that internet and communications disruptions continue, with a significant number of users reporting chronic slow speeds, frequent disconnections, and difficulty accessing online services. At the same time, data published by Kentik shows that Iran’s internet traffic remains approximately 50 percent below pre-shutdown levels. This situation is consistent with field reports from users describing unstable connections and disruptions to public services.

In response to the persistence of these conditions, Behzad Akbari, a deputy at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, stated that the internet “has not yet returned to normal conditions” and described the ongoing disruptions as “beyond the authority of the Ministry of Communications.” He also rejected claims regarding a “change in internet architecture,” “tiered internet access,” and “whitelisting,” calling them “baseless.”

Overall, reports from day thirty-nine indicate that communications disruptions remain one of the most pressing daily concerns for citizens and businesses alike, while the return of the internet to a stable and reliable state continues to be surrounded by uncertainty.

Artists Distance Themselves from the Fajr Film Festival

On day thirty-nine, the Fajr Film Festival remained under the shadow of nationwide protests and social backlash, with a series of controversies turning the event into one of the most prominent cultural stories of the day.

One of the main controversies involved Ali Nassirian, who objected to the use of his image on the festival’s poster. He stated that his image had been used without his knowledge, adding that had he been informed in advance, he would have opposed it. Following this, Parviz Parastui shared a message attributed to Nassirian, in which he spoke of the “devastating blow” inflicted on the people and expressed solidarity with grieving families, a message that received widespread attention.

Protest reactions from other cultural figures also continued. Elnaz Shakerdoost, in a public statement, said that in a land that “smells of blood,” she would neither take part in celebrations nor perform roles.

Overall, reports from day thirty-nine indicate that beyond film screenings, the Fajr Film Festival has increasingly become a platform for public dissent and explicit political positioning, with its atmosphere widely described as tense and highly contentious.

Ongoing Arrests and Other Security Measures; From Scattered Detentions to Judicial Cases

HRANA reports indicate the continued arrests and security measures in various cities. In one report, the arrest of 17 citizens was documented across multiple locations, including Saeed Javanbakht, a student in Shiraz; and in Tehran, Tara Davoudi, Kimia Davoudi, and Saeed Piri. In Ilam Province, numerous individuals were listed among those arrested: Mohammad Zeynivand, Mehdi Kasaei, Meraj Shirkhani, Behzad Valibeigi, Mohammad-Hossein Baralk, Farzad Moradi, Behrouz Valibeigi, Mohammad-Amin Safari, Farshad Aieni, Hamid Larti, Sohrab Alidousti, Hamed Nazarian, and Nima Khorki.

In another report, HRANA documented the continued detention and lack of information regarding the whereabouts of three women in Tehran: Niousha Nakhai and Mona Nakhai, two sisters arrested on 15 January, and Mona Norouzi, who was arrested on 19 January.

HRANA has also reported that, as part of a mass case, 265 citizens were arrested in Bandar Anzali and Langarud. According to the report, 263 individuals were detained in Bandar Anzali and two individuals in Langarud.

In addition, HRANA reported the arrest of nine citizens in various cities: Fariborz Sadeghi, Moslem Seidi, Mehdi Ghaderi, Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani, Ahmadreza Bakhtar, Amir Mohammad Sarhadi, Pouria Mirzaei, Mohammad Mohammadian, and Ali Gilani, who were detained in cities including Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Kerman.

Regarding the condition of detained protesters, Heshmatollah Tabarzadi, in a message from Isfahan Central Prison, warned of “horrifying” conditions faced by a number of detainees, stating that some are being held without access to medical treatment, despite suffering from gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries.

Statement by the Supreme Council of the Iranian Medical System

Today, the Supreme Council of the Iranian Medical System issued a statement calling for the protection and safety of healthcare workers, warning against threats and pressures that could disrupt the delivery of medical treatment. The statement was released amid simultaneous reports of growing concern among medical staff and obstacles to providing care to those injured during the protests.

Remarks by Esmail Kowsari on a “Supreme National Security Council Decision” to Launch an Armed Crackdown

On day thirty-nine, Esmail Kowsari, Tehran’s representative in parliament, said in an interview with Rouydad24, referring to what he described as a “national revolution against the Islamic Republic,” that:

“Until Friday night, January 7, and even into Friday morning, the Law Enforcement Command did not use weapons. However, after the expansion of attacks, the Supreme National Security Council decided that the Law Enforcement Command, the Basij, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would enter the scene in an armed manner.”

He added:
“This decision was made to neutralize the situation, and ultimately this mission was carried out successfully.”

Kowsari, a former commander of the IRGC, further stated:

“This was a coup-like movement intended to be brought to fruition, but by the grace of God and through the efforts of the Anonymous Soldiers of the Imam of the Age, the Law Enforcement Command, the Basij, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, this plot was completely neutralized.”

Updated Cumulative Statistics Through the End of Day Thirty-Nine of the Protests

• Total recorded protest-related incidents: 674

• Number of cities (no repetition): 210

• Number of provinces (no repetition): 31

• Civilian injuries: 11,021

• Total arrests: 50,842

• Student arrests: 109

• Forced confessions: 307

• Summonses: 11,046

• Total protesters killed: 6,445

▪️ Including children: 164
▪️ Military / government-affiliated personnel: 214
▪️ Civilian non-protesters: 60

• Total confirmed deaths: 6,883

• Cases under review: 11,280

Summary

Day thirty-nine was marked by the continued disruption of internet services and a sustained, significant decline in network traffic, while relevant authorities have not confirmed a return to normal internet conditions. At the same time, the Fajr Film Festival remained in the spotlight due to public reactions and explicit positions taken by cultural figures.

In the security sphere, HRANA reports indicate the continuation of both scattered and mass arrests, along with ongoing lack of information regarding the whereabouts of some detainees. A statement by the Supreme Council of the Iranian Medical System also emphasized the need to ensure the safety of healthcare workers.

Finally, remarks by Esmail Kowsari regarding a decision for “armed intervention” by the Law Enforcement Command, the Basij, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps emerged as one of the most significant statements of day thirty-nine, drawing widespread attention and reaction.

Security Forces Search Homes of 11 Baha’i Citizens in Borujerd and Aligudarz, Seal 5 Businesses

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News, Religious Minorities
Aligudarz, Bahais, Borujerd, HRANA

HRANA – On Monday, security agents searched the homes of six Baha’i citizens in Borujerd and sealed the workplaces of three of them. At the same time, the homes of five Baha’i citizens in Aligudarz were searched, and the workplaces of two individuals were sealed. During the searches, some religious items and personal belongings, including mobile phones and identity documents, were confiscated.

Based on information received by HRANA, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the family homes of six Baha’i citizens in Borujerd County were searched, and the businesses of three of them were sealed. Simultaneously, the family homes of five Baha’i citizens in Aligudarz were searched by agents of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, and the workplace of one of them was sealed. In addition, a commercial unit belonging to a non-Baha’i citizen, where one of the Baha’i individuals was employed, was also sealed in Aligudarz.

According to an informed source, during the searches, security agents confiscated religious materials and personal belongings, including mobile phones, valuable items such as gold and cash, bank cards, birth certificates, national ID cards, passports, laptops, computer cases, and other digital devices. Security agents also told the Baha’i citizens in Aligudarz that they would return to their homes again, and threatened that judicial rulings would be issued against them and their property would be confiscated.

One of the homes in Borujerd was searched while the residents were not present, and agents entered the house by breaking down the door.

Further details, including the identities of these citizens, are under investigation by HRANA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Student Gatherings

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

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

Ongoing Problems in Communications and Internet Access

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

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

Intensified Judicial Measures: Expedited Proceedings and Asset Seizures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Total recorded protest-related incidents: 673

• Number of cities (no duplicates): 210

• Number of provinces (no duplicates): 31

• Injured civilians: 11,021

• Total arrests: 50,553

• Student arrests: 109

• Forced confessions: 307

• Summonses: 11,046

• Total protesters killed: 6,443

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

• Total deaths: 6,872

• Cases under investigation: 11,280

Summary

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

Execution of 15 Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continued Arrests and Other Repressive Measures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK Sanctions and a Meeting in The Hague

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

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

Ongoing Problems in Communications and Postal Services

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

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

Aggregated Statistics Through the End of Day 37

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

Fatalities:
• Total protesters killed: 6,430

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

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

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

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Thirty-Six of the Protests; Government Releases List of Names and State TV Insults Those Killed

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Shayan-Manesh, Alireza Golchin, HRANA, iran protests, January Protests, Shargh

HRANA – Based on HRANA’s latest aggregated data, by the end of the thirty-sixth day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,842. According to these figures, 6,425 of those killed have been recorded as “protesters,” while 146 fall under the category of “children under 18.” In addition, 214 individuals affiliated with the government and 57 “civilian, non-protesters” have been reported. A total of 11,280 cases remain under review.

During the same period, the number of injured civilians was recorded at 11,021, student arrests at 94 cases, forced confessions at 296 cases, and summonses at 11,046 cases. Furthermore, a total of 664 protest-related incidents were recorded across 207 cities in 31 provinces.

On this day, the key incidents include: the continuation of scattered arrests in various cities (particularly among students, adolescents, and civil activists); increased pressure and threats in the area of medical treatment and care for the injured; and, at the media level, widespread reactions to the broadcast of an insulting program on state television. At the same time, the release of a list of the names of those killed by the Office of the President also sparked numerous reactions and questions.

Continued Pressure on Lawyers and Medical Professionals

Aggregated reports indicate that in recent days, security pressure has not been limited solely to street arrests; rather, individuals who play a direct role in supporting citizens during times of crisis have also come under pressure. These include doctors and nurses, as well as, on the legal level, the process of accessing legal defense and pursuing cases.

The Iranian Nursing Organization stated in a statement that during the recent protests, at least three members of the nursing community lost their lives while on duty, while commuting, or after completing their work shifts, and that at least three other nurses were injured. The organization also reported that it had not received any “confirmed” reports of nurses being arrested solely for performing their professional duties; however, it added that so far 18 nurses have been summoned, mostly for reasons cited as activities outside their professional roles.

At the same time, the newspaper Shargh, citing accounts published from medical centers, reported that some members of the medical staff have received warning calls intended to intimidate them about the consequences of treating injured protesters.

From the perspective of some sources, these threats could influence the decision-making of medical staff or lead to a decrease in injured individuals seeking care at medical facilities. Alongside these reports, the arrest of a physician has also been recorded among protest-related detentions, including Alireza Golchin, whose name appears in reports of recent arrests.

In response to these conditions, the Iranian Laparoscopic Surgery Association issued a statement describing “any form of intervention, restriction, or pressure in the treatment process” as contrary to the principles of medical ethics, and called for guarantees of “professional independence” for medical staff. At the international level, more than 130 doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in the United Kingdom published an open letter condemning the targeting of medical personnel for treating the injured, and referred in the letter to reports of threats, arrests, and imprisonment of healthcare workers.

Following the protests in January, several lawyers who are members of the bar associations of Fars Province and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad were arrested in Shiraz. Ali Shayan-Manesh, a member of the board of directors of these bar associations, stated that “six lawyers” have been arrested, one of whom has been released while five remain in detention. As of the time of reporting, no information has been released regarding the reasons for their arrests or the charges against them.

Arrests and Security Crackdowns Continue

On the thirty-sixth day, arrests and security measures continued in various locations. A significant portion of the reports focused on the arrest of students, adolescents, and citizens in several provinces. In Tabriz, Mohammad Mohammadzadeh was arrested. In Tehran, Behdad Piri and Reza Vafaei were arrested. In Dehdasht, Erfan Javadi (a 17-year-old student) was detained, and in Ilam, names including Hossein Shokri, Saber Bastami, Noureddin Chelangar, Faraj Arsane, Elias Javanmard, and Ahmad Sheikhi were reported among those arrested.

In another report, the arrest of nine students and one physician in connection with the protests was recorded. Those named include Niyayesh Mozaffari, Amirhossein Heydari, Erfan Parvaresh, Amirmohammad Abrishami, Mohammad Siadat, Hamzeh Alimoradi, and Shayan Khodayar (students residing in Gorgan), as well as Amirsina Mostaghim in Tehran and Mohammad Hossein Talebi in Amol.

As this trend continued, Reza Taheri (a teacher residing in Karaj), Amirhossein Khojandi (a citizen residing in Ramsar), and Hamidreza Vatani were also arrested.

Arrests of adolescents and citizens in other cities have likewise been reported. Saadi Irani was arrested in Piranshahr, and Amirali Babaei (a 17-year-old adolescent) in Gorgan. Aria Sheikhi-Nasab was arrested in Masjed Soleyman, and Erfan Esfandiari (a 17-year-old adolescent) in Isfahan.

On a broader scale, it has been reported that 22 citizens were arrested in the provinces of Golestan, Bushehr, and Yazd. At the same time, the publication of a video containing “forced confessions” from a detained citizen in Golestan was also reported, a video for which no clear information has been provided regarding the conditions of its recording or the validity of the confession process.

In Qazvin, the General Directorate of Intelligence announced the arrest of 158 citizens in connection with the protests. Published reports have claimed that a significant portion of those arrested were “non-local.”

Broadcast of an Insulting Program on State Television About the Bodies of Those Killed

In one of the programs aired by state broadcaster IRIB, a segment was broadcast in the form of a “game” in which a question was posed about the location where the bodies of those killed in the protests are kept, using mocking and humiliating multiple-choice options. The broadcast of this segment triggered widespread public backlash and sparked extensive criticism over the normalization of violence and the disrespect shown toward the deceased and their families.

Following the escalation of reactions, it was announced that the head of Ofogh TV channel had been dismissed and that the program Khat-e Khat had been suspended. While this decision was presented at the managerial level as a response to the criticism, it has nevertheless raised questions about content oversight mechanisms, the responsibility of producers, and the repeatability of such approaches within state media.

Release of a List of Names of Those Killed by the Office of the President

Iran’s Office of the President announced that it has published a list containing the details of 2,986 individuals killed in the “recent incidents.” It had previously been stated that 3,117 people were killed; however, since the identities of the remaining 131 victims have not been determined, they were not included in the list. Due to its unprecedented nature, the publication of this list received wide public attention and was viewed by some observers as an attempt to control the official narrative surrounding the death toll.

However, initial reviews suggest that the released list bears signs of haste: reports have pointed to spelling errors, duplicate entries, and incomplete rows (including cases where national ID numbers were listed without accompanying identity details). Moreover, the published list lacks key information such as the time and place of death, the individual’s status (protester, non-protester, or government-affiliated force), and a description of the circumstances. This absence makes public verification and clear accountability difficult. At the same time, the list may have limited practical value in terms of cross-referencing names with existing data and identifying some cases missing from independent lists.

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics as of the End of the Thirty-Sixth Day Since the Start of the Protests

• Total number of recorded protest-related incidents: 664
• Number of cities (no duplicates): 207
• Number of provinces (no duplicates): 31

• Injured civilians: 11,021
• Student arrests: 94
• Forced confessions: 296
• Summonses: 11,046

• Total number of protesters killed: 6,425
▪️ Including children: 146
▪️ Military/government-affiliated forces: 214
▪️ Non-civilian, non-protesters: 57
• Total number of people killed: 6,842

• Cases under review: 11,280

Summary

The thirty-sixth day ended with the continued wave of arrests, spanning students, adolescents, teachers, and civil activists, remaining a central development. At the same time, security pressure on the healthcare sector and on the treatment of injured protesters persisted. The airing of an insulting segment on state television about the bodies of those killed triggered widespread public backlash, ultimately resulting in the dismissal of a network director and the suspension of the program. Meanwhile, the Office of the President’s unprecedented release of a list of those killed raised fresh questions and doubts due to the absence of key details and indications of haste.

Day 35 of the Protests: Pressure on Medical Staff and Lawyers, Continued Arrests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Enayatollah Karamati, Hassan Aghakhani, HRANA, Ja'far Kashavarz, Ja'far Zarei, Mehdi Ansari, Mehran Ansari, Nazanin Baradaran, Omid Darabi, Shima Ghoosheh, Zahra Minouei

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest aggregated data on the thirty-fifth day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,713. Based on these figures, 6,305 of those killed have been reported as “protesters,” while 137 are under 18. Additionally, 214 members of government-affiliated forces and 57 “civilian, non-protesters” have been reported killed. 17,091 cases remain under investigation. The number of injured civilians stands at 11,021, with 84 student arrests, 295 cases of forced confessions, and 11,028 summonses reported. A total of 662 protest-related incidents have been recorded across 205 cities in 31 provinces.

On the thirty-fifth day, the government’s repression continued on two parallel tracks: intensified pressure on lawyers and medical staff amid a wave of arrests and legal harassment, and the persistence of sporadic, targeted arrests across various cities, alongside the continued use of repressive tactics such as broadcasting “forced confessions” and issuing security summonses.

Crackdown on Lawyers and Doctors

Recent reports indicate that security pressure has not been limited to the streets, but has increasingly targeted individuals who, by virtue of their professions, are responsible for assisting protesters, namely lawyers providing legal representation and defense for detained protesters, and doctors and medical staff treating those injured during the protests.

Arrests of Lawyers and Uncertainty Over Numbers and Charges

Saeed Bagheri, vice president of the Central Bar Association, has said that there is no precise information on the number of lawyers arrested during the recent protests, noting only that it has been “heard that a number of colleagues” have been detained. He also stressed that the exact reasons for the arrests and the nature of the charges have not been clarified to the Bar Association, adding that the case of Shima Ghoosheh is set to be reviewed by a working group.

In this context, Shargh newspaper reported that nine lawyers have been arrested since the start of the protests, writing that two lawyers were detained in Tehran, six in Shiraz, and one in Mashhad. The report also noted that a number of other lawyers have been summoned, without providing full details.

According to the published list, the seven detained lawyers are: Mehdi Ansari, Ja’far Zarei, Mehran Ansari, Ja’far Kashavarz, Nazanin Baradaran, Enayatollah Karamati, and Omid Darabi. HRANA had previously reported the arrest of two other lawyers, Shima Ghoosheh and Mohammad Hadi Jafarpoor.

Regarding Shima Ghoosheh’s case, it has been reported that she was arrested by security forces at her home in Tehran on January 16, and that her family remains in “complete lack of information” about her condition. These reports, together with repeated references to detainees being held in “undisclosed locations,” have intensified concerns over access to legal counsel and the transparency of judicial proceedings.

Heavy Bail, Restrictions on Legal Representation, and Prison Sentences

At the same time, three lawyers spoke to Etemad newspaper, providing details from detainees’ case files that offer a more concrete picture of judicial proceedings:

Zahra Minouei said she is currently handling around 17 cases related to recently detained individuals, most of whom were born in the 2000s. According to her, the charges in these cases are mainly “disrupting public order and tranquility” and “assembly and collusion against the country’s internal and external security.” She also reported the imposition of heavy bail and the continuation of detention even after bail has been granted, noting that in many cases the bail order is not lifted in practice. Minouei added that the sentences issued so far have largely been prison terms, with the shortest sentence reported at seven months and the longest at five years.

Maryam Kian-Arthi said that in many cases, interrogating judges have refused to accept privately chosen defense lawyers. Referring to Article 48 of the Criminal Procedure Code, she explained that during the preliminary investigation stage, only lawyers approved by the head of the judiciary are permitted to represent defendants. She also noted that the legal fees charged by some of these approved lawyers are extremely high and beyond the financial means of families, who in many cases are also unable to provide the required bail.

Hassan Aghakhani said he has so far taken on three cases, all involving the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” He stated that the detainees are from Eslamshahr, central Tehran, and Pardis, and that lawyer-client meetings have not yet been allowed. He also cited overcrowded prisons, the lack of transparent information, and difficulties in arranging powers of attorney as ongoing challenges.

Doctors and Medical Staff: Official Narratives Versus Field Reports

Regarding pressure on healthcare personnel, the gap between official narratives and published field reports remains significant. Following reports of doctors and medical staff being arrested after treating those injured during the Dey protests, Mohammad Raiszadeh, head of the Iranian Medical Council Organization, said that 17 doctors with judicial and security cases had “not been arrested due to medical treatment” and that no “final verdicts” have so far been issued against them. While confirming the existence of cases against these individuals, he stressed that no doctor has been detained solely for performing medical duties, adding that the Medical Council has followed up on the matter through security and judicial authorities.

At the same time, Mohammadreza Zafarghandi, Iran’s Minister of Health and Medical Education, said in a message that providing the best possible medical services to every patient in a “safe and hygienic environment” is the priority of the healthcare system, and that this principle underpins the professional conduct of medical staff and forms part of their oath. Similarly, Homayoun Sameh-Yah Najafabadi, a member of Parliament’s Health and Treatment Commission, said he had reviewed a list of detained doctors and found the number of names to be “not small.” However, when asked about the reasons for the arrests, he said he was unaware and claimed he doubted the detentions were related to treating the injured. He also sought to describe medical facilities as “safe,” despite field reports indicating that injured protesters fear going to hospitals.

In contrast to the official narrative, numerous reports have emerged of doctors being arrested after treating injured protesters. Among the names cited are Ameneh Soleimani (a physician and director of a dermatology and hair clinic in Ardabil), Babak Pouramin (an emergency medicine specialist in Neyshabur), and Alireza Golchini (a surgeon from Qazvin). According to accounts from relatives and colleagues, these individuals faced security forces after providing medical care.

In response to the arrests of medical staff, Ahmad Nejatian, head of the Iranian Nursing Organization, said the organization would issue a statement and clarify its position. Additionally, the group “Physicians and the Law” warned in a statement that the “criminalization of medical treatment” contradicts fundamental principles of criminal law, and that issuing heavy sentences against doctors who have merely carried out their professional duties could lead to “judicial intimidation” among medical staff, an outcome that, in times of crisis, both reduces the quality of emergency care and jeopardizes citizens’ right to access medical services.

Arrests and Other Repressive Measures

Alongside pressure on lawyers and healthcare personnel, reports indicate the continued use of street-level and security arrests in various cities, detentions that in some cases have involved transfers to undisclosed locations and, in others, the release of videos of “forced confessions.”

In Iranshahr, it has been reported that three citizens were arrested, including a 17-year-old teenager named Mohammad Ahourani and Amirhossein Kadkhodaei. The same report also mentions the arrest of a woman identified as Fasih Borhanzahi.

Regarding arrests related to teachers, reports state that Behzad Ghavami, a teachers’ union activist based in Sanandaj, has been detained for 21 days, with no information available about his place of detention. Additionally, Mohsen Khodaei, a teacher from Javersian, a village in Khondab County in Markazi Province, was arrested 24 days ago, and no precise information has been released about where he is being held.

In Rasht, the city’s police commander announced the arrest of a “blogger” in connection with the protests. In Lahijan, two protesting citizens were reportedly arrested, and a video of their “forced confessions” was released simultaneously—a video whose recording conditions remain unclear. In addition, the arrest of another citizen in Lahijan has also been reported.

On a broader scale, reports indicate that 430 citizens have been arrested in various cities during the protests. Within this context, the arrests of Amirhossein Heydari (a student at Gorgan University) and Nima Raziani (a resident of Kermanshah) have also been reported. Furthermore, the prosecutor of Eslamshahr announced the arrest of at least 300 citizens in the city, while the Intelligence Department of South Khorasan Province stated that it had detained 128 individuals described as “key elements affiliated with monarchist groups and the Baha’i faith.”

In another development, it has been reported that Mehdi Mahmoodian, Abdollah Momeni, and Vida Rabbani were arrested and transferred to an undisclosed location. According to reports, the arresting authority has not been officially identified, and the three have been described as signatories of the “Statement of 17.”

Statement by the Teachers’ Trade Association

On the thirty-fifth day, the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association (Tehran) issued a statement condemning the “killing and bloody suppression of protesters,” declaring in unequivocal language: “We stand, with full commitment, alongside the people’s justice-seeking and freedom-demanding aspirations,” and emphasizing teachers’ social responsibility in the face of the current situation.

The statement was released amid simultaneous reports of the arrest of teachers’ union activists and a lack of information about the whereabouts of some detainees, including reports of the arrest of Behzad Ghavami in Sanandaj and the detention of Mohsen Khodaei in Javersian, Markazi province. Taken together, these developments suggest that the professional sphere of education, like other areas of civil society, has come under increasing security pressure.

Beyond condemning the crackdown, the Teachers’ Trade Association’s statement also conveys a practical warning: the continuation of judicial and security measures against professional and civil activists could lead to public distrust and deepen social divides. The association’s emphasis on standing with “justice-seeking and freedom-demanding” demands, set against reports of arrests and case-building, indicates that segments of the professional community are seeking to preserve their own narrative and to warn of the consequences of ongoing repression.

Updated Aggregated Statistics Through the End of Day 35

Fatalities

• Protesters: 6,305

• Including children: 137

• Military/government forces: 214

• Non-civilian, non-protesters: 57

• Total deaths: 6,713

• Cases under review: 17,091

Other Figures

• Student arrests: 84

• Forced confessions: 295

• Summonses: 11,028

• Injured civilians: 11,021

• Total protest-related locations/incidents in cities: 662

• Provinces affected (without repetition): 31

• Cities affected (without repetition): 205

Conclusion

The events of the thirty-fifth day since the start of the protests indicate that pressure from security and repressive institutions has spread to broad segments of society: from the arrest and restriction of lawyers involved in legal defense, to the opening of security cases against doctors and conflicting accounts regarding the reasons for their detention. At the same time, sporadic arrests, summonses, and reports related to forced confessions continued. Professional bodies, including the Teachers’ Trade Association, issued statements warning of the consequences of sustained repression.

University of Essex Human Rights Centre Hosts Event on Pursuing Accountability for IRGC Violations

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News, Other
HRANA, irgc, Skylar Thompson

HRANA- In Colchester, UK, The University of Essex hosted a private lecture on Friday, January 30, 2026, examining pathways to accountability for serious human rights violations and alleged international crimes attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and in light of ongoing events where it is clear the IRGC is the main perpetrator and where the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP) database has already established a preliminary assessment qualifying the IRGC as complicit in crimes against humanity. The lecture also drew on HRA’s and UpRights’ work on the Pasdaran Documentation Project and its Pathways to Accountability memo.

The event, titled “Pursuing Accountability for Serious Human Rights Violations and International Crimes Implicating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),” was held at the Colchester Campus and organized by HRA in collaboration with Essex Law School and the Human Rights Centre. It brought together legal experts, human rights practitioners, and members of the academic community to discuss documentation, legal strategies, and international mechanisms for justice.

The panel was chaired and moderated by Dr. Matthew Gillett, Senior Lecturer at the University of Essex Law School and United Nations Special Mandate Holder, serving as Vice-Chair and Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. In his opening remarks, Dr. Gillett emphasized the central role of credible, structured documentation in pursuing accountability where domestic remedies are unavailable. He noted that international legal processes increasingly depend on high-quality evidence and rigorous methodological standards.

Skylar Thompson, Deputy Director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), introduced the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP), a long-term initiative developed by HRA with legal support from the organization UpRights. Thompson explained that PDP maps the IRGC’s institutional structure, operational units, and chains of command, and links this architecture to documented incidents of human rights abuses in Iran and abroad.

According to Thompson, the project is already being used by national jurisdictions to better understand the IRGC in support of prosecutorial processes, and it is designed to support investigations, legal analysis, and informed policy responses. “Accountability requires a sustained focus on grassroots documentation at the early stage,” she said, adding that PDP seeks to transform fragmented information into an integrated framework of institutional responsibility.

Valérie Gabard, Co-Director of UpRights, addressed the legal and practical challenges of pursuing accountability in the Iranian context. She outlined how international legal avenues, such as universal jurisdiction, targeted sanctions regimes, and UN mechanisms, can be activated when supported by systematic documentation. Gabard stressed that while accountability within Iran remains unrealistic under current conditions, external legal processes offer meaningful opportunities to advance justice for victims, while also noting their inherent difficulties.

Participants raised questions about data verification and the ethical challenges of documenting abuses in highly repressive environments.

The event concluded with reflections on the long-term nature of accountability work and the need for sustained international engagement. Speakers underscored that structured documentation initiatives such as PDP can play a critical role in ensuring that allegations of abuse are preserved and made usable for future legal and policy processes.

The gathering demonstrated interest in practical, evidence-based approaches to addressing alleged international crimes linked to the IRGC and reinforced the role of universities as key spaces for advancing research, dialogue, and accountability initiatives.

Learn more about the project and read the memo at IranPDP.org