Tag: HRANA

At least 12 Prisoners Executed on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Dorud, Gorgan, HRANA, Isfahan, Kashan, Kerman, Neyshabur, Nowshahr, Saveh, zanjan

HRANA – At dawn today, Monday, January 26, 2026, the death sentences of 10 prisoners, previously convicted on charges related to drug offenses and murder, were carried out in the prisons of Nowshahr, Neyshabur, Zanjan, Saveh, Isfahan, Gorgan, Dorud, Kashan, and Kerman. Additionally, at dawn yesterday, two prisoners were hanged in Zahedan Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Javad Sha’bani was executed in Nowshahr Prison, Ehsan Kamareh’i in Neyshabur Prison, Mohammad Gharacheh in Zanjan Prison, Saeid Ghasemi in Saveh Prison, Ashkan Khodayari along with another prisoner in Isfahan Prison, Rahman Nobakht in Gorgan Prison, and Saman Sarlak in Dorud Prison, all on murder charges. Additionally, Amir Hossein Faghani in Kashan Prison and Dariush Mehrani in Kerman Prison were executed on charges related to drug offenses.

Separately, at dawn yesterday, two prisoners identified as Mohammad Nouhani and Ali Moradi were executed in Zahedan Prison in separate cases on murder charges.

Further details, including the identity of the other prisoner executed in Isfahan Prison, are still under investigation.

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

According to HRA’s annual report on the human rights situation in Iran, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, representing a 119% increase compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even denied the right to a final visit with their families.

Nationwide Protests: Over 300 Citizens Arrested in Semnan

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, mass arrest, nationwide protests, Semnan

HRANA – The governor of Semnan announced that more than 300 citizens have been arrested in connection with the recent protests in the province.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the governor of Semnan stated that more than 300 individuals have been detained in the province, and that other cases are being handled and legally reviewed through the posting of bail and written commitments. He described those arrested as the “main ringleaders of the unrest.”

This report does not provide details regarding the identities of the detainees, their place of detention, or the charges brought against them.

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

Nationwide Protests: At least 150 Women and Female Students Transferred to Shiraz Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners, Women
Adelabad Prison, Hakimeh Honarmandi, HRANA, Roya Sabet, Shiraz

HRANA – At least 150 women detained in connection with the nationwide protests, most of whom are female students, have been transferred to the political ward of Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, a ward that lacks the capacity and facilities to accommodate this number of prisoners.

Based on information received by HRANA, the majority of these 150 detained women are female students. They have been transferred to the political ward of Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, a room that does not even have sufficient space for 30 people. Additionally, a number of other detained women have been moved to wards designated for prisoners accused of murder, drug-related crimes, theft, as well as to the juvenile ward.

According to informed sources, over the past two weeks, the women’s ward in this prison has been without telephone access, and limited, booth-style visits were only allowed during the second week. Moreover, food shortages have resulted in a single standard meal, previously allocated to one prisoner, now being shared among four people. In addition, for the past two months, certain food items such as fresh produce have not been supplied to the prison; items available at the prison store are scarce and expensive, and even drinking water is not provided to prisoners. Female prisoners housed in the prayer hall must also queue after 11 a.m. and go to the quarantine ward in order to use restroom and bathing facilities.

At the same time, several female prisoners from wards for financial and political crimes, including Hakimeh Honarmandi, a political prisoner, and Roya Sabet, a Baha’i citizen, have been transferred to the prison’s prayer hall, a space that lacks even basic sanitary facilities.

The identities of those detained, as well as the number of individuals under the age of 18 among them, are still under investigation by HRANA.

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

Day Twenty-Nine of the Protests: Threats of Property Confiscation and the Continuation of Blocking and Intimidation Policies

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Freedom of Expression, News
2026 protests, brutal crackdown, HRANA, Internet Disruptions

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest aggregated data on the twenty-ninth day of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 5,848. Of these, 5,520 are protesters, 77 are children under 18, 209 are government-affiliated forces, and 42 are non-protesters or civilians. The number of deaths still under investigation stands at 17,091. Total arrests have reached 41,283; the number of people with severe injuries is 7,804; and 240 cases of forced confessions being broadcast have been reported. The number of individuals summoned to security institutions has reached 11,023. A total of 645 protest-related incidents have been recorded across 197 cities in 31 provinces.

On the twenty-ninth day of the protests, the continuation of communication control policies, ongoing arrests and security confrontations, alarming reports of severe physical injuries, particularly to the eyes, and increased pressure on medical staff, alongside threatening statements by judicial and government officials, were among the key developments of the day.

Continued Internet Disruptions

On the twenty-ninth day of the protests, Iran’s government continues to disrupt and restrict internet access in order to maintain repression and control the flow of information. Available reports indicate that these limitations have not only failed to end but have continued in the form of “short and unstable connections”, a pattern that at times leads users to believe the internet has returned, while in practice stable quality and access are not restored. As a result, some sources report that the restrictions have persisted for more than 17 consecutive days; limitations that, in many parts of the country, have reduced internet access to a minimal level and disrupted access to vital services.

Alongside widespread shutdowns or severe bandwidth reductions, there is evidence of the implementation of a policy of “selective access,” whereby only certain pre-approved or limited services remain available to some users, effectively turning the online space into a controlled environment. This policy has posed serious obstacles to the dissemination of news and the documentation of violence and arrests, while simultaneously targeting civil coordination and the capacity to organize protests.

Internet disruptions have extended beyond the political and security sphere, directly impacting everyday economic activity. In one example, some traders are granted controlled internet access only during very limited windows, sometimes as little as 20 minutes per day. Under these conditions, there has even been discussion of the government monitoring internet usage. Such circumstances demonstrate that internet restrictions have gone beyond “controlling protests” and have become a tool for broader management and surveillance of communications.

The internet shutdown has also inflicted significant damage on the country’s economy. Some reports speak of daily losses amounting to several thousand billion tomans due to communication disruptions, emphasizing that the true impact of these losses is not limited to direct figures; their cascading effects can push commerce, online services, money transfers, company operations, and even access to essential services into crisis. The continuation of this situation, especially while society simultaneously faces security pressures and livelihood crises, has intensified social and economic harm.

Overall, the internet remains in a state of permanent crisis: unstable connections, selective access, a severe drop in quality, and the use of communication restrictions as a complement to street-level repression and mass arrests. This trend has not only cut off channels of information and coordination but has also noticeably disrupted the economic and social lives of citizens.

Arrests and Crackdowns

The pattern of widespread and targeted arrests also persisted. Reports indicate that arrests have taken place in various cities, with a particular focus on ordinary citizens, students, and individuals suspected of participating in or supporting the protests. In addition to individual arrests, there is evidence of mass detentions in some areas and provinces, such that in certain cities the number of detainees has reached dozens within a short period of time.

Alongside arrests, tools of intimidation and psychological pressure have been deployed in parallel. The release of videos or reports featuring forced confessions reflects an escalation of security measures in the media and psychological sphere, an approach aimed at instilling public fear, undermining the credibility of protesters, and controlling the narrative of the protests within the country. There have also been reports of summonses, interrogations, and the application of security pressure on the families and relatives of detainees.

Taken together, an assessment of the arrest situation on the twenty-ninth day shows that security agencies continue to focus on expanding arrests, exerting pressure on social and student activists, and using forced confessions as a complementary tool of repression.

Updated (Cumulative) Statistics as of the End of the Twenty-Ninth Day

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 645
• Number of cities involved (no duplicates): 197
• Number of provinces involved (no duplicates): 31
 • Confirmed deaths: 5,848

▪️ Protesters: 5,520
▪️ Children (under 18): 77
▪️ Government-affiliated forces: 209
▪️ Non-protesters / civilians: 42

• Deaths under investigation: 17,091
• Severely injured: 7,804
• Total arrests: 41,283
• Broadcasts of forced confessions: 240 cases
• Summonses to security institutions: 11,023 cases

Eye Injuries

One of the consequences of the violent suppression of protesters has been the rise in severe eye injuries resulting from the use of pellet guns or shots fired at the face by suppressive forces. Medical reports and documented accounts indicate that a significant number of protesters have sought treatment for deep injuries to the eyes, face, and eyelids, injuries that in many cases have required emergency surgery and carried the risk of vision loss or even eye removal.

In this context, reports have emerged from Farabi Specialized Eye Hospital indicating that around one thousand individuals with ruptures and severe eye injuries were admitted over a certain period of time. According to these accounts, the hospital’s treatment capacity was insufficient to cope with the volume of injured patients, placing immense strain on medical facilities. The severity of the crisis was such that equipment and stretchers from other hospitals were reportedly used to hospitalize and manage the influx of patients.

The continued documentation of such injuries on multiple days of the protests shows that “eye injury” is not merely a collateral consequence, but rather a recurring pattern of violence that constitutes a significant part of the on-the-ground reality of the 1404 protests and must be documented independently in final reports.

Pressure on Medical Staff and the Minister’s Expression of Thanks

Reports indicate an escalation of security pressure on medical staff and the transformation of medical centers into sites of heightened tension. Field accounts suggest that security forces have, in some cases, entered sensitive hospital wards, even intensive care units (ICUs), with this presence accompanied by threats of arrest and the creation of an atmosphere of fear that has interfered with the treatment of the wounded. As a result, some reports describe efforts by medical staff to hide injured protesters or take emergency measures to prevent their arrest.

At the same time, reports have also been published about the arrest of doctors and paramedics for treating protesters, an issue that directly targets the principle of medical neutrality and the right of the injured to access care. In one instance, the arrest of at least several doctors, as well as the detention of a volunteer paramedic, has been reported; the latter is said to have turned their home into a place of refuge and treatment for the wounded.

However, the health minister has thanked medical staff for saving the lives of thousands of injured people. This “official appreciation” stands in contrast to “security pressure,” in a situation where doctors and nurses, on the one hand, carry out their humanitarian mission of providing care, and on the other, face threats, arrest, or security restrictions.

Position of Iran’s Judiciary and Parliament: Threats of Property Confiscation and Announcement of Damages

On the twenty-ninth day of the protests, official statements by the government continue to emphasize the intensification of judicial and security measures. As an example, the head of the judiciary explicitly stated that no leniency should be shown toward individuals whom the authorities claim have “taken up arms”, a stance that effectively paves the way for harsher punishment, the issuance of heavy sentences, and a reduced likelihood of fair judicial proceedings.

At the legislative and governmental levels as well, there is talk of threats and punishment. The government spokesperson has spoken of the possibility of full confiscation of the property of individuals accused of “encouraging or cooperating” with the protests, noting that even such support could be framed as a serious criminal charge. Along with direct street-level repression and arrests, such threats function as a broader tool of social intimidation and economic pressure on the protesters and their families.

Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament has pursued a path of “political confrontation” in response to international developments, particularly resolutions issued by external bodies. Reports indicate that Iran’s parliament has condemned resolutions issued against the suppression of protesters and has sought to portray the protests as “riots” and “damage to public property.” By simultaneously highlighting financial losses, this policy aims to bolster the legitimacy of repression through portraying the situation as a “security crisis.”

In this vein, various figures regarding financial damages have been announced. For example, reports have cited damages amounting to 1,200 billion tomans in a single province, including harm to banks, public facilities, and even reported damage to emergency vehicles. In official media discourse, such figures are often used to reinforce the authorities’ narrative justifying harsh measures, while at the same time numerous reports of killings, severe injuries, eye trauma, and mass arrests remain unaddressed, with no clear accountability presented regarding the actions of suppressive forces.

Alongside these positions, the propaganda environment has also shown signs of escalating tension and securitization, including the display of symbolic messages in public spaces and the amplification of scenarios involving external confrontation. Taken together, these trends indicate that on the twenty-ninth day of the protests, the ruling establishment has sought to entrench the path of repression and raise the cost of protest for society through a combination of judicial threats, economic pressure, security-driven narrative construction, and the emphasis on financial damages.

Summary

The twenty-ninth day of the nationwide protests unfolded amid HRANA’s cumulative statistics showing a significant increase in fatalities, arrests, and cases of severe injury. At the same time, the continued disruption and shutdown of the internet remained a primary tool for controlling and suppressing the flow of information and restricting public communications, severely hindering the documentation of human rights violations, the monitoring of detainees’ conditions, and the transmission of on-the-ground accounts.

Venus Hosseinnezhad, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Kerman

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Kerman, Venus Hosseinnezhad

HRANA – Venus Hosseinnezhad, a Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman, was arrested by security forces 10 days ago, and there has been no information so far regarding her place of detention.

Based on information received by HRANA, Venus Hosseinnezhad was arrested at her workplace by security forces on January 15. Ten days after her arrest, there is still no information about her whereabouts, which has caused concern among her family and relatives.
As of the time of writing this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against this citizen.

Venus Hosseinnezhad is 28 years old and a Baha’i citizen living in Kerman.

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

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Day Twenty-Eight of the Protests: Arrests, Uncertainty Over Detainees’ Fate, and International Calls for Accountability

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdollah Rezaei, HRANA, iran protests, January Protests

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest aggregated data on the twenty-eighth day of the protests, the total number of confirmed fatalities has reached 5,459. Of these, 5,149 were protesters, 60 were children under the age of 18, 208 were government-affiliated forces, and 42 were non-protesters or civilians. The number of deaths currently under investigation stands at 17,031.

The total number of arrests has risen to 40,887, including at least 325 children and 54 university students. The number of severely injured individuals has been reported as 7,403, and 205 cases of forced confessions being broadcast have been documented. The number of individuals summoned by security agencies has reached 11,023. In total, 641 protest-related incidents have been recorded across 195 cities in 31 provinces.

On the twenty-eighth day of the protests, developments focused on the issuance of a resolution by the Human Rights Council, the continued policy of restricting communications, and the rising figures related to the suppression of protesters.

Escalation of Arrests and Targeted Repression

On the twenty-eighth day of the protests, targeted arrests and security pressure on citizens, activists, and the families of protesters continued in an overt, though dispersed, manner. Verified reports from various provinces indicate that security agencies are seeking to monitor and identify protesters or those with prior records, and subsequently summon them. Their focus has been primarily on major cities and areas that have witnessed the highest levels of demonstrations in recent days.

In addition to street and mass arrests, a new pattern of so-called “home arrests” and raids on residences, workplaces, and even schools and universities has been observed. Over the past 24 hours, several arrests have been reported in Tehran, Shiraz, Kerman, Rasht, Semnan, Islamabad-e Gharb, and even smaller towns. The names of a number of detainees, including students and teachers, labor activists, Yarsani and Baha’i citizens, and even adolescents under the age of 18, have been published by human rights media outlets and HRANA News Agency. In some cases, security forces, after making arrests, have confiscated electronic devices, mobile phones, and even books and personal belongings.

Meanwhile, some detainees have faced charges such as “leading protests,” “communicating with foreign media,” or “acting against national security.” At least five new forced confession videos were broadcast over the past day by media outlets affiliated with security institutions. These confessions are often obtained under unclear conditions, without access to an independent lawyer, and under pressure.

Credible reports have also emerged regarding the collective transfer of detained women and teenage girls to the political ward of Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, despite severe shortages of facilities and capacity, raising serious human rights concerns. Families of detainees seeking information about the condition of their loved ones have faced obstruction, threats, and even summonses, and in some cases have been compelled to provide written pledges to remain silent or refrain from speaking to the media.

The pressure has not been limited to arrests; summonses to security institutions and threatening phone calls and text messages have also taken on new dimensions. HRANA’s aggregated data indicate that more than 11,000 individuals have been summoned by security agencies to date. In some cities, teachers, students, workers, and even figures from the arts and sports communities have been targeted.

Continued Internet Disruptions and Shutdowns and Their Negative Impact on Information Flow and Daily Life

On the twenty-eighth day of the protests, widespread disruptions and a nationwide internet shutdown in Iran remained one of the government’s primary security measures. According to updated reports from NetBlocks and field data, Iran has been in a state of “communications blackout” for the third consecutive week, with the total duration of internet outages exceeding 375 hours. Over the past day, only for brief periods were some users able to connect to the international internet through censorship-circumvention methods (tunneling or VPNs), and a limited number of platforms were temporarily exempted from filtering; however, this access was neither stable, nationwide, nor free.

Technical data published by NetBlocks emphasize that, contrary to claims by some state-affiliated media regarding a “40 percent restoration of internet access,” independent evidence and user assessments confirm only very limited, costly, and high-risk connectivity. According to human rights media, the communications blackout and the lack of free internet access have had direct consequences for documenting human rights violations, tracking the situation of detainees and the injured, and for everyday life, from work and education to healthcare services.

Even many field reports (such as the Rasht bazaar fire or the intensity of repression in Ahvaz and certain neighborhoods of Tehran) have been published with delays of several days, as journalists and families have faced extreme difficulty in sending images, videos, or firsthand accounts. Union and civil organizations, including the Tehran Journalists’ Association and the Iranian Sociological Association, warned that this situation has placed the media under pressure and deprived society of independent documentation of events.

Technology experts and digital rights activists assess this blackout not as a technical malfunction, but as a deliberate tool for control, intimidation, and preventing the spread of collective action and the free flow of information. Internet shutdowns have not only disrupted protests, but have also paralyzed the economy, education, healthcare, and even family communication in an unprecedented manner. Some have stressed that aside from Sudan’s 2021 coup, no nationwide internet shutdown of this scale and duration has been recorded.

Overall, on the twenty-eighth day of the protests, Iran remains in a situation where the communications blackout continues to be an inseparable part of the strategy of repression and narrative control, with citizens’ access to a free information space restricted to an unprecedented degree. This situation signals, not only for reporters and independent institutions but for society as a whole, the emergence of a new phase of control and obstruction in response to the wave of protests.

Civil and International Reactions

In recent days, civil and international reactions to the widespread repression of protests in Iran have continued to expand. Reports indicate that the voice of civil society, both inside and outside the country, has grown stronger, emphasizing government accountability and support for the demands of protesters.

At the domestic level, statements and collective responses from various professional and civil groups have continued. In a statement, the Board of Directors of the Iranian Sociological Association, referring to the killing of thousands of citizens and expressing deep concern over the current situation, called for an immediate halt to the cycle of violence, respect for civilian lives, and a serious reassessment of the government’s policy-making paths. The association emphasized that Iranian society is facing an accumulation of crises and an erosion of social cohesion, and that the normalization of death and violence will have devastating effects on public trust and the possibility of future coexistence. The Teachers’ Trade Association of Islamabad-e Gharb also issued a statement condemning the arrest of Abdollah Rezaei, a labor activist and a board member of the Harsin Teachers’ Trade Association, stressing that silence in the face of injustice amounts to complicity with the apparatus of repression.

At the international level, the dimensions of Iran’s crisis have become one of the main focal points for human rights bodies and global media. At an emergency session of the Human Rights Council held yesterday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned of the unprecedented scale of street killings, reported the continued repression and the deaths of thousands of people, including children, and emphasized that violence against protesters has turned into “the deadliest crackdown in Iran’s contemporary history.” The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and the head of the Human Rights Council’s fact-finding mission, expressing alarm at field observations, called for accountability and independent investigations.

In connection with these developments, the European Parliament also adopted a resolution condemning the repression of protests, calling for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union and for sanctions to be imposed on officials of the Islamic Republic.

In addition, a number of well-known international figures, artists, athletes, and civil activists, have expressed support for the Iranian people’s protests through messages on social media and warned against the continuation of repression. These widespread reactions, occurring alongside the government’s efforts to restrict access to information and shut down the internet, have further underscored the importance of amplifying independent voices inside and outside the country.

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics as of the End of the Twenty-Eighth Day

Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 641
Number of cities involved (no duplicates): 195
Number of provinces involved (no duplicates): 31
Confirmed fatalities: 5,459

 Protesters: 5,149
 Children (under 18): 60
 Government-affiliated forces: 208
 Non-protesters/civilians: 42

Fatalities under investigation: 17,031
Severely injured: 7,403
Total arrests: 40,887
Arrests of individuals under 18: 325
Arrested university students: 54
Broadcasts of forced confessions: 205 cases
Summonses to security agencies: 11,023 cases

Summary

The twenty-eighth day of the protests passed amid unprecedented levels of repression, a nationwide internet shutdown, widespread arrests, particularly of adolescents and women, economic pressure, and growing concerns over organized crimes. In contrast, civil and international reactions have expanded, with increasing calls for an immediate end to violence and for those responsible to be held accountable. Iranian society, while experiencing one of the most painful junctures of its contemporary history, continues to endure and resist under the heaviest wave of denial and repression.

Day Twenty-Seven of the Protests: Strong Condemnation of Iran’s Regime at the UN Human Rights Council

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdolreza Ghandehari, Artin Ghazanfari, Danial Bahrami, HRANA, iran protests, January Protests, Mohsen Baver, Netblocks, Saeed Dorudi, Vahid Latifnejad, Yazdan Azizi

HRANA – On the twenty-seventh day of nationwide protests, according to HRANA’s aggregated data, the number of confirmed deaths has reached 5,137, while cases still under review stand at 12,904. In addition, at least 7,402 people have suffered serious injuries during the protests, and the total number of arrests has risen to 27,797. These figures have been recorded as nationwide internet shutdowns and disruptions have entered their third consecutive week. The release of new reports on targeted arrests, the broadcast of forced confessions, and the extension of United Nations human rights mandates were among today’s other major developments, reflecting the government’s efforts to control the narrative and continue its crackdown on protesters.

On the twenty-seventh day of nationwide protests, developments continued along three main axes rather than showing any de-escalation:

1. the continuation of communication restrictions, with NetBlocks reporting the entry into a third week of internet shutdowns (348 hours);

2. the expansion of arrests and summonses, alongside the growing prominence of security-related cases and “forced confessions”; and

3. the intensification of international reactions, centered on a special session of the UN Human Rights Council and the adoption of a resolution extending the mandates of the Special Rapporteur and the fact-finding mission.

NetBlocks Reports 348 Hours of Internet Shutdown and “False Traffic”

One of the main focal points of today’s developments was the continued internet shutdown and the management of communications. According to NetBlocks, Iran’s nationwide internet blackout has entered its third week, reaching 348 hours. While noting a “slight increase in connectivity,” NetBlocks also reported signs of efforts to generate false traffic and to create the impression of a widespread restoration of internet access.

At the same time, media reports present a similar picture: on the one hand, some users have experienced limited connectivity for short periods; on the other hand, monitoring organizations say this access is neither stable nor widespread, and that indicators of a “staged return of the internet” are visible in the data.

The continuation of the internet shutdown has two direct effects on the protest movement:

• A reduction in the speed and accuracy of documenting human rights violations (including identifying victims, recording the time and location of incidents, and enabling communication between families and media outlets or civil society organizations).

• A shift in the form of protests and activism; as internet-based coordination tools are restricted, some actions move toward more fragmented, localized, and lower-cost forms, while at the same time citizens face greater difficulty in warning one another about the risks of arrest and other forms of government repression.

Additionally, in today’s international meetings, “internet shutdowns” were highlighted as one of the key examples of human rights violations, and the UN Human Rights Council emphasized, within its demands and expectations, the necessity of restoring citizens’ access to the internet.

Arrests, Summonses, Forced Confessions, and Fabricated Charges

On the twenty-seventh day, information on arrests and summonses emerged across several layers: HRANA’s field and news reports on scattered arrests in various cities; coverage of specific individual cases; and statistics and claims issued by security institutions regarding the scope of arrests and intelligence operations.

According to the published report, at least 22 citizens were arrested in the cities of Kerman, Tehran, Semnan, and Lumar in Ilam Province. At the same time, a video containing “forced confessions” from five citizens was released, with the circumstances of its recording reported as unclear. Additionally, news emerged of the recent arrests of Abdolreza Ghandehari (a teacher) and Mohsen Baver in Neyshapur and Abdanan.

In addition to the statistics and scattered arrests, there were reports of individual cases of arrest by security forces: HRANA reported that Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, was arrested at his private residence in Tehran on January 19 and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Another report also referred to individual arrests: Saeed Dorudi (a student) in Tehran, Danial Bahrami in Javanrud, and Vahid Latifnejad and Yazdan Azizi in Ilam were arrested. In addition, the commander of the Abdolazim Corps in Rey County announced the arrest of five individuals in the county, labeling them as “leaders of the protests.”

At another level, state-affiliated media also reported mass arrests, including reports of the detention of 148 people in Hamedan on charges such as “manufacturing and distributing hand grenades,” and allegations of links to “Israel and the Iran International network,” as well as news of the arrest of “three four-member teams involved in damaging public property” and two foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, the IRGC Intelligence, in its official narrative, spoke of the arrest and summoning of 735 individuals and the “guidance and admonition of 11,000 people,” while simultaneously making claims about the discovery of weapons and the identification of networks allegedly linked to foreign intelligence services.

In this context, forced confessions continue to be one of the government’s key tools in its “narrative-building project.” The release of confession videos usually serves two functions simultaneously: first, creating a climate of deterrence and social fear; and second, producing media material to attribute the protests to “external/organized agents” and to legitimize repression. Today’s reports indicate that this mechanism, alongside “quiet but large-scale arrests,” is becoming increasingly entrenched.

Special Session of the Human Rights Council: Adoption of a Resolution and Extension of the Mandates of the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission

The most significant international development related to the protests on the twenty-seventh day was the UN Human Rights Council’s special session on Iran, held in Geneva. The session took place on Friday, January 23, 2026, and was specifically dedicated to examining the human rights situation and the suppression of the January protests. During the session, the proposed resolution was adopted with 25 votes in favor. Under the resolution, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran was extended for one year, and the mandate of the UN fact-finding mission was extended for two years. This session was described as the third special session of the Human Rights Council on Iran over the past three years and was convened at the request of civil society organizations, with the support of 23 Council member states.

According to supplementary accounts, Cuba, Pakistan, Egypt, and China opposed the proposal and called for a vote. Ultimately, the resolution was adopted with 25 votes in favor, 7 votes against, and 14 abstentions.

In terms of substance, at the opening of the session, senior UN human rights officials expressed concern over the “unprecedented scale of violent repression” in reference to the scope of the protests and the Iranian government’s response. They highlighted reports of extrajudicial killings, the lethal and disproportionate use of force, mass arrests, and internet shutdowns as serious examples of human rights violations.

Mai Sato, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, also warned in her remarks that the use of terms such as “terrorist,” “rioter,” and “mercenary” by officials of the Islamic Republic to describe peaceful protesters serves to justify violence and obscure the popular nature of the protests. She emphasized that the use of lethal force must be a “last resort” and carried out in accordance with the principles of necessity, proportionality, and legality, principles which, she said, were widely violated during the January crackdown.

Updated Statistics (Cumulative)

Based on aggregated data recorded through the end of the twenty-seventh day of protests:

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 640

• Number of cities involved (no duplicates): 194 cities

• Number of provinces involved (no duplicates): 31 provinces

• Confirmed deaths: 5,137
    Protesters: 4,834
    Children (under 18): 54
    Government/affiliated forces (military and non-military): 208
    Non-protesters/civilians: 41

• Deaths under investigation: 12,904

• Severely injured: 7,402

• Total arrests: 27,797

• Arrests of individuals under 18: 175

• Arrested students: 54

• Broadcasts of forced confessions: 200 cases

Summary of the Twenty-Seventh Day

The twenty-seventh day of protests was marked by the continuation of internet shutdowns into a third week, an increase in arrests, and the growing use of forced confessions. At the same time, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution extending the mandates of the Special Rapporteur and the fact-finding mission.

Alongside these developments, the geopolitics of the region and new sanctions have become increasingly intertwined with Iran’s internal crisis, further heightening the diplomatic sensitivity of Iran’s case.

Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on Iran: Condemnation of the January Crackdown and Extension of the Fact-Finding Mission

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, iran protests, January Crackdown, Payam Akhavan, UN Human Rights Council

HRANA – A special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held on January 23, 2026  at the UN’s European headquarters in Geneva. The session was specifically dedicated to examining the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the widespread suppression of the nationwide January protests. During the meeting, a proposed resolution was adopted with 25 votes in favor. With the adoption of this resolution, the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran was extended for one year, and the mandate of the UN fact-finding mission on Iran was extended for two years. This session marked the third special session of the Human Rights Council on Iran in the past three years and was convened at the request of civil society organizations and with the support of 23 member states of the Council.

According to HRANA, at the outset of the session, senior UN human rights officials, referring to the scope of the recent protests and the Iranian government’s response, expressed deep concern over the “unprecedented scale” of the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. In statements and speeches delivered during the session, numerous reports of extrajudicial killings, the lethal and disproportionate use of force, mass arrests, and nationwide internet shutdowns were highlighted as serious examples of human rights violations.

Special Rapporteur: Iranian authorities’ language justifies violence

Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, warned in her remarks that the use of terms such as “terrorist,” “rioter,” and “mercenary” by Iranian authorities to describe peaceful protesters effectively serves to justify violent crackdowns and to disregard the popular and nationwide nature of these protests. She emphasized that the use of lethal force must only ever be a last resort to protect life and must comply with the principles of necessity, proportionality, and legality, principles which, she said, were widely violated during the January crackdown.

Sato further stated that even the issuance of death sentences against protesters, regardless of whether they are carried out, constitutes an unlawful act aimed at intimidating and silencing dissent, and represents a clear violation of the rights to life, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly.

“Deadliest crackdown” from the perspective of the Fact-Finding Mission

Sara Hossain, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, said in a video message to the Geneva session that what has occurred in Iran in recent weeks was most likely “the deadliest crackdown against the Iranian people since the 1979 revolution.” She reported that testimonies and evidence have been collected regarding the disproportionate use of force, arbitrary killings, torture, sexual violence, mass arrests, and forced confessions, stressing that the mission’s investigations are ongoing.

In the same context, Payam Akhavan, former prosecutor of the UN war crimes tribunals, described recent events as “unprecedented bloodshed.” He spoke of cases in which families were reportedly forced to pay money to receive the bodies of victims, and even reports of individuals being found alive among the corpses.

Positions of countries: from explicit condemnation to calls against politicization

During the session, representatives of various countries presented differing views. European countries, including France, Estonia, Albania, and Bulgaria, condemned the use of lethal weapons, mass arrests, and the killing of protesters, including children, and called for the adoption of the resolution, accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations, and the extension of the fact-finding mission’s mandate. The representative of the European Union also expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and emphasized the need to end the violence and lift internet shutdowns.

By contrast, some countries, including Egypt and Iraq, called for avoiding the “politicization” of the Human Rights Council and emphasized dialogue between governments. Pakistan’s representative, while expressing concern over developments in Iran, warned that sanctions could worsen the human rights situation and said that the “chance for diplomacy” should not be lost.

Response of the Islamic Republic of Iran

In his remarks, the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Geneva described the January protests as having “entered a second phase of organized violence” and claimed that a large portion of those killed were victims of “terrorist acts.” He rejected the figures presented by international bodies and accused the organizers of the session of ignoring the human rights of the Iranian people.

Final resolution: condemnation, demands, and extension of mandates

At the conclusion of the session, the United Nations Human Rights Council, with 25 votes in favor, condemned the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and called on the Iranian government to take all necessary measures to stop and prevent extrajudicial killings, arbitrary deprivation of life, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, and arbitrary arrests, particularly against peaceful protesters. The Council also called for the immediate and full restoration of internet access across the country.

At the same time, by a majority vote of its members, the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran was extended for one year, and the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, given the crackdown on the January protests, was extended for a further two years. Many human rights organizations have viewed this decision as a key step toward documenting violations and pursuing accountability for perpetrators in the future.

The Geneva session concluded amid remarks by multiple speakers noting that many families of victims and of those killed or detained during the protests in Iran are closely watching for concrete outcomes from these decisions and the continued work of international human rights mechanisms.

Letter from the Human Rights Activists to the Human Rights Council on the twenty-sixth day of the protests

Earlier, on the twenty-sixth day of the nationwide protests, the Human Rights Activists in Iran published a letter addressed to the UN Human Rights Council, seeking to draw the attention of member states to the “documented and alarming patterns of repression” in Iran. The letter was released ahead of the Council’s special session on Iran and aimed to provide concise, documented, and up-to-date information to inform the Council’s decision-making.

The Human Rights Activists emphasized that their findings were based on verified HRANA reports and documentation of individual cases, noting that the figures presented represent absolute minimums. They warned that widespread internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on the free flow of information mean the true scale of the crackdown and the number of victims are likely far greater than what current data reflect.

The central focus of the letter was the widespread use of lethal force against unarmed protesters. It cited direct shootings of protesters, deaths of citizens in the streets, and the transfer of the injured to medical centers, describing this pattern as a serious and systematic violation of the right to life. At the same time, it warned about mass arrests and the unknown fate of thousands of detainees.

The letter also addressed the issue of forced confessions, describing their broadcast by state media as a violation of fair trial standards and human dignity. Such practices, it stated, not only place additional psychological pressure on detainees but also serve as a tool to legitimize repression.

Finally, the Human Rights Activists in Iran stressed the necessity of continuing independent investigations and ensuring international accountability, calling on member states of the Human Rights Council to respond effectively to the human rights situation in Iran on the basis of existing documentation and to prevent impunity for perpetrators of these violations.

Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested by Security Forces

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News, Religious Minorities
Artin Ghazanfari, HRANA, Tehran

HRANA – Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, was arrested in Tehran on January 19 and transferred to an unknown location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Ghazanfari was arrested on January 19 at his personal residence in Tehran. At the same time, his home and workplace were searched, and security agents confiscated a number of electronic devices, books, as well as his professional and personal equipment.

As of the time of this report, there is no information available regarding the charges against him or his place of detention.

Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, has previously served a prison sentence due to his activities.

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

Day Twenty-Six of the Protests: Government Commits Violence, Denies Responsibility, and Continues Mass Arrests

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRA, HRANA, iran protests, Iran protests 2026, irgc, Netblocks

HRANA – On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, according to aggregated data compiled by HRANA, the number of confirmed fatalities has reached 5,002, while the number of deaths still under investigation has risen to 9,787. In addition, at least 7,391 people have suffered serious injuries during the protests, and the total number of arrests has increased to 26,852. These figures were recorded under circumstances in which, just one day earlier, official authorities, by citing significantly lower numbers reportedly issued by the Legal Medicine Organization, attempted to solidify the government’s official narrative regarding the killings. At the same time, the internet shutdown in Iran, now approaching its third week, has continued unabated.

Developments on the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests in Iran were shaped less by new events on the ground and more by efforts to entrench the government’s official narrative of the killings, the continued internet blackout with no clear timeline, and the escalation of international reactions and pressure. At the same time, a wider discrepancy emerged between the figures announced by the government and the data reported by independent human rights organizations.

Disruption of Communications on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, Iran’s communications situation remained in a critical and unprecedented state. The shutdown or severe disruption of internet access and digital communications, one of the central tools of control and repression, continued. According to data and reports published on this day, the internet blackout, which began on the evening of January 8, entered its third consecutive week. This situation has effectively reduced Iran’s connection to the global internet to the bare minimum, keeping the country in a state of “digital darkness.”

International internet monitoring organizations, including NetBlocks, released updated graphs showing that internet connectivity in Iran remains at its lowest level, with only very limited and tightly controlled connections available on certain domestic networks or in specific locations. These organizations emphasized that the disruption of digital communications in Iran is not a technical failure, but rather a deliberate and centralized decision by the authorities aimed at controlling the flow of information and preventing the dissemination of news about the suppression of protesters.

On the same day, uncertainty regarding when and how internet access might be restored also persisted. Official authorities, including the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, stated that there is no specific timeline for the full removal of restrictions and that any restoration of access would occur in a “gradual, localized, and issue-based” manner. These statements were widely interpreted as signaling the continuation of controlled communications policies and the ongoing filtering and blocking of foreign platforms, even if limited internet access were to resume. At the same time, reports indicated that even in cases of temporary connectivity, access to many global communication platforms and social media networks remained blocked or highly unstable.

The consequences of this situation became increasingly evident on the twenty-sixth day. The communications shutdown has severely disrupted independent documentation of events, the transfer of images and videos related to the protests and repression, and even basic communication among families. Field reports indicate that many images depicting widespread violence during the peak days of the protests have leaked out of the country only after long delays, without the ability to accurately determine the time and location of the incidents. This has not only made the work of media outlets and human rights organizations more difficult, but has also greatly reduced the possibility of independently verifying official narratives.

Domestically, the internet shutdown has also brought about extensive economic and social consequences. Businesses, especially online businesses, and internet-based services have been effectively paralyzed, and many citizens have reported being unable to carry out daily tasks or access online banking, educational, and healthcare services. Some economic and social figures warned of its long-term repercussions for the economy, public mental well-being, and public trust.

In the media sphere, the continued disruption of communications has led citizens to increasingly turn to alternative news sources, including shortwave and medium-wave radio broadcasts, a phenomenon that itself reflects a serious regression in the country’s communications infrastructure.

Overall, the twenty-sixth day of the protests passed with communications disruption continuing not merely as a temporary measure, but as a structural component of the authorities’ security strategy for managing the crisis, a strategy whose consequences include an intensification of the information vacuum, the spread of rumors, and a deepening divide between the official narrative and the lived experiences of citizens.

The Security Atmosphere Prevailing in Cities

On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, the security atmosphere across various cities in Iran was reported to remain heavy, pervasive, and deterrent. This environment relied less on overt clashes and more on preemptive control, displays of force, and the instilling of fear among the public. Field reports indicate that the visible presence of security forces, law enforcement units, and plainclothes agents in city centers, main squares, busy routes, and around sensitive sites continued noticeably, and in some areas intensified through mobile checkpoints and motorcycle patrols.

In many cities, these heightened security measures increased particularly during the late afternoon and nighttime hours, when security forces stationed themselves in streets and neighborhoods, effectively reducing the possibility of gatherings or collective movement to a minimum. Citizens have reported widespread checks, temporary vehicle stops, mobile phone inspections, and sporadic arrests, measures that, according to eyewitnesses, were less a response to specific assemblies and more preventive and intimidating in nature.

At the same time, reports emerged of increased pressure on the families of those killed and detained. In some cities, security forces reportedly visited homes or made phone calls warning families against holding memorial ceremonies, gathering, or speaking to the media. This approach is assessed as part of broader efforts to prevent the formation of new focal points of protest and to contain the social and symbolic dimensions of mourning.

The prevailing security environment has had a direct impact on citizens’ daily lives. A noticeable decline in nighttime movement, the early closure of some businesses, and widespread caution in public interactions were among the consequences highlighted in field reports.

Letter from the Human Rights Activists Addressed to the Human Rights Council on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) published a letter addressed to the United Nations Human Rights Council, seeking to draw the attention of member states to what it described as “documented and alarming patterns of repression” in Iran. The letter was released on the eve of a special session of the Human Rights Council on Iran and was intended to provide concise, documented, and up-to-date information to assist council members in their decision-making.

In the letter, HRA emphasized that the findings presented were based on verified HRANA reports and individual case documentation, and that the figures cited represent absolute minimums. The organization warned that due to the ongoing internet shutdown and severe restrictions on the free flow of information, the true scale of repression and the number of victims could exceed the available data.

The central focus of the letter was the pattern of widespread use of lethal force against unarmed protesters. The organization referred to direct gunfire at demonstrators, the deaths of citizens in the streets, and the transfer of large numbers of injured individuals to medical facilities, describing this trend as indicative of serious and systematic violations of the right to life. At the same time, the letter pointed to mass arrests during and after the protests and warned about the unknown status of thousands of detainees, as well as restrictions on their access to lawyers and family members.

Another section of the letter addressed the issue of forced confessions, describing their broadcast on state media as a violation of the principles of fair trial and human dignity. In this context, the organization stressed that such actions not only impose additional psychological pressure on detainees, but are also used as a tool to legitimize repression.

The letter also emphasized the necessity of continued independent investigations and international accountability. HRA called on member states of the Human Rights Council to respond effectively to the human rights situation in Iran based on the available documentation and to prevent impunity for those responsible for widespread human rights violations. Overall, the letter seeks to provide decision-makers at the Human Rights Council with a clear picture of what has occurred during the protests, without delving into political analysis.

Updated Statistics (Cumulative)

Based on aggregated data recorded up to the end of the twenty-sixth day of the protests:

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 633 cases

• Number of cities involved (no duplicates): 192 cities

• Number of provinces involved (no duplicates): 31 provinces

• Confirmed fatalities: 5,002 individuals

Protesters: 4,714
Children (under 18 years old): 42
Government-affiliated forces (military and civilian): 207
Non-protesters/civilians: 39

• Fatalities under investigation: 9,787 individuals

• Seriously injured: 7,391 individuals

• Total arrests: 26,852 individuals

• Broadcasts of forced confessions: 192 cases

International Reactions on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

On the twenty-sixth day of Iran’s nationwide protests, international reactions continued less in the form of new immediate actions and more through intensified political stances, statements by foreign officials, and the growing linkage between Iran’s internal situation and regional security developments. A review of coverage in international media shows that Iran was simultaneously addressed on human rights, diplomatic, and security levels on this day.

The most significant international development was a clear stance taken by the European Parliament against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to published reports, members of the European Parliament condemned the widespread repression of protesters and the nationwide internet shutdown in Iran, reiterating their position that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps should be designated as a terrorist organization. This position was expressed within official parliamentary sessions and statements, explicitly highlighting the IRGC’s role in suppressing protests, killing demonstrators, and committing widespread human rights violations.

Members of the European Parliament described the internet shutdown as part of the machinery of repression and concealment of violence, emphasizing that communications blackouts have severely limited independent documentation and accountability for those responsible for the crackdown. Some representatives called on the European Union to move beyond political statements and respond with concrete and binding measures, including targeted sanctions and legal action, in reaction to the IRGC’s role in repressing the protests.

Alongside these international meetings, statements by political leaders regarding Iran also drew attention. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, stated unequivocally that if the Islamic Republic is able to remain in power through the killing of its own citizens, it would signal the failure of the international community to effectively support the people of Iran. These remarks, which were widely circulated in public and media spaces, reflect a growing level of concern and frankness in the discourse of some political leaders regarding the repression of protests in Iran.

Overall, international reactions on the twenty-sixth day of the protests reflected not so much the adoption of immediate executive decisions, but rather the increasing political and security weight of the Iran dossier in global discourse. Clear statements by foreign leaders, the linking of Iran’s internal developments to regional security calculations, and sustained extensive media coverage indicate that the suppression of protests in Iran continues to be treated internationally as an issue that goes beyond a purely domestic crisis.

Government Responses on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, the Iranian government’s responses focused primarily on consolidating the official narrative of events, defending the performance of security and judicial institutions, and countering independent and international accounts. The collection of statements issued by officials on this day indicates that the authorities sought to present a unified portrayal of developments through the release of statistics, technical explanations, and security-based frameworks, while distancing themselves from responsibility for the killings and violence.

The most significant governmental stance on this day was the release and amplification of remarks by the head of the Legal Medicine Organization. Announcing what was described as a “final report,” he stated that 3,117 deaths had been recorded in the “recent incidents,” emphasizing that this figure was the result of “scientific and specialized” examinations of bodies. While he noted that women, children, the elderly, and passersby were among the victims, he simultaneously attributed the primary source of violence to what he called “terrorist elements.” The head of the organization claimed that victims had been killed using a wide range of weapons, including live ammunition, hunting rifles, pellet guns, and even bladed weapons, presenting this as evidence of the “criminal nature” of protesters and those involved in the unrest.

Continuing this narrative, government officials explicitly rejected higher figures published by media outlets and human rights organizations. Both the Legal Medicine Organization and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council dismissed reports claiming 12,000 to 20,000 deaths as “rumors” and “media distortions.” They argued that these figures stemmed from a misunderstanding of the forensic case-numbering system, which includes all unnatural deaths recorded over the course of a year and should not be attributed to the recent protests. Within this framework, officials also stated that delays in releasing official statistics were due to the need to carefully distinguish between ordinary civilians, government forces, and what they described as “armed elements.”

At the same time, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and other security officials sought to shift public attention from human casualties to the alleged “destructive and violent dimensions” of the protests by presenting lists of claimed damages. These statements referred to the damage or destruction of hundreds of ambulances, banks, fuel stations, government buildings, and police vehicles, and even included allegations of damage to educational, religious, and cultural centers. This narrative portrayed the protests not as a social movement of dissent, but as an “organized and destructive action against national security.”

Another aspect of the government’s response addressed the issue of handing over bodies and interactions with the families of those killed. The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council categorically denied that any money had been demanded from families in exchange for the return of victims’ bodies, claiming that in the few cases where burial-related fees at religious sites had been charged, orders had been issued to halt the practice and refund the amounts. These remarks were made in response to reports and testimonies alleging pressure on families and the extraction of payments for the release of bodies.

Alongside these points, the government’s security narrative on the twenty-sixth day intensified with new claims. Officials asserted that the recent protests were directed from outside the country and that “key elements” had organized and trained protesters through online platforms. It was also claimed that a significant portion of detainees had been under the influence of hallucinogenic substances or alcohol at the time of the violence, and promises were made to release “new confessions” related to these allegations. These statements reinforced a framework that denies social grievances as the root of the protests, instead presenting them as the product of “foreign conspiracy and organized unrest.”

Summary

The twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests passed with the consolidation of the government’s official narrative regarding casualty figures, the continuation of the internet shutdown with no clear horizon, and mounting international reactions and pressure. At the same time, the gap between official government statistics and independent human rights data persisted, remaining unresolved amid severe restrictions on access to information.