Tag: HRANA

Execution of 14 Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Behbahan, Bojnord, Bukan, Esfarayen, Ferdows, Gonabad, HRANA, Mahshahr, mass executions, Nowshahr, Quchan, Rasht, Sanandaj, Sari, Taybad

Amid ongoing concerns over the lack of judicial transparency and widespread internet disruptions in Iran, at least 14 prisoners were executed in various prisons across the country in the last four days. These prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses and murder.

Based on information received by HRANA, Rastin Noorian was executed on Tuesday in Behbahan Prison on a charge of murder. On the same day, Farshid Darabi in Sari Prison and Changiz Ghafoori in Bukan Prison were also executed on murder charges. In addition, Amirali Haghighat-Doost was hanged on Tuesday in Gonabad Prison on charges related to drug offenses. On Wednesday, Houshang Maleki in Ferdows Prison, Touraj Rashidi in Esfarayen Prison, Shaho Safari in Sanandaj Prison, and Jalal Papi in Nowshahr Prison were all executed on murder charges. Two other prisoners were executed in Rasht Prison on murder charges; the identity of one of them, Ashkan Kalehri, has been confirmed by HRANA.

On Monday, Iman Zamani was executed in Quchan Prison on charges related to drug offenses. Additionally, on Wednesday, Momen Abdi-Pour was executed in Mahshahr Prison on a charge of murder. Meanwhile, today, Thursday, January 22, Abdullah Panjshiri, an Afghan national, was executed in Taybad Prison on charges related to drug offenses. Nariman Sohrabi was also executed in Bojnord Prison on a murder charge.

Further details, including the identity of one of the prisoners executed in Rasht Prison, are still under investigation by HRANA.

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, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were denied even the right to a final visit with their families.

Nationwide Protests: At Least 40 Citizens Arrested and Judicial Cases Opened Against 125 Others

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abadan, HRANA, Kerman, Rafsanjan, Sirjan

HRANA – During the recent nationwide protests, 33 individuals in Kerman were arrested on charges of being “active leaders affiliated with monarchist groups on Instagram and Telegram,” and judicial cases have been opened against 125 others. Additionally, seven citizens were arrested in Abadan and Tehran. At the same time, videos containing forced confessions by these citizens have been released, though the conditions under which they were recorded remain unclear.

According to Tasnim News Agency, 33 citizens, described as “active leaders affiliated with monarchist groups on Instagram and Telegram,” who had issued calls on January 6, 2026, were arrested.

It is also claimed that these individuals had formed 50 groups and teams in Kerman, Rafsanjan, and Sirjan, and that judicial cases have been opened against 125 people linked to these groups.

Iran’s state broadcaster (IRIB) also released a video report announcing the arrest of at least two citizens in Abadan and five citizens in Tehran. The report alleged that these individuals had set fire to police stations in Tehran’s Vanak district and in Abadan.

Simultaneously, videos of forced confessions by these citizens have been published, although it is unclear under what conditions they were recorded.

These reports do not mention the place of detention or the identities of those arrested.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests of recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the twenty-fourth day of the protests, which was published last night.

Day Twenty-Five of Protests: Continued Internet Blackout and Officials’ Narrative-Building on the Death Toll

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Freedom of Expression, News
death toll, HRANA, iran protests

HRANA – On the twenty-fifth day of nationwide protests in Iran, according to aggregated data compiled by HRANA, the number of confirmed fatalities has reached 4,902, while the number of deaths still under review stands at 9,387. Additionally, at least 7,389 people have sustained severe injuries, and the total number of arrests has risen to 26,541. These figures are recorded amid the continued widespread internet shutdown, while at the same time the government, by releasing limited and selective statistics, is attempting to solidify its official narrative regarding the scale of the killings.

Developments on the twenty-fifth day are largely related to narrative-building around recent events, the government’s efforts to present statistics, and shifts in diplomacy. However, the security atmosphere continues to dominate cities, and international pressure has increased.

Disruption of Communications: “Indefinite Time” as Official Policy

On the twenty-fifth day, Iranian officials expressed new positions regarding the internet. The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council announced that the timing of the internet’s return is unspecified, a statement that contradicted earlier positions, in which vague promises of a “gradual restoration” had been made. This stance effectively transforms the internet shutdown from a “temporary measure” into an open-ended and indefinite situation.

Under these conditions, the limited and selective access provided to certain institutions or specific users should not be considered a sign of the internet’s return, but rather part of a controlled access model. This situation has severely disrupted independent documentation of the protests, follow-up on the conditions of detainees and those killed, and even communication among families. According to observers, it has become a key crisis-management tool for the authorities.

Security Atmosphere: Consolidation of Government Control Over Cities Without the Expansion of Open Protests

Field reports from various cities indicate that although the level of public gatherings has declined compared to the initial weeks, the presence of security and law enforcement forces remains extensive and highly visible. Street-level controls, motorcycle patrols, and the presence of plainclothes forces in urban areas persist, with restrictions intensifying during the evening hours.

This situation should be assessed less as a sign of the protests having fully subsided and more as the result of a combination of factors such as severe repression, mass arrests, and communication shutdowns. At the same time, reports point to the persistence of social discontent across different segments of society, discontent that, in the absence of the ability to organize and communicate, is less likely to manifest in coordinated demonstrations.

Discrepancies Between Officials’ Claims and Figures Derived from Independent Reports

One of the main developments on the twenty-fifth day was the government’s presentation of its official narrative regarding the scale of the killings and recent violence. The head of the Legal Medicine Organization announced what was described as a “final report,” stating that 3,117 people had been killed in the “recent incidents,” and emphasized that the victims included women, children, the elderly, and bystanders. In the same remarks, the causes of death were attributed to a range of weapons, including live ammunition, hunting firearms, pellet guns, and even bladed weapons, while primary responsibility for the violence was placed on “terrorist elements” and forces allegedly trained abroad.

At the same time, security officials rejected higher figures reported by foreign media, including claims of 12,000 to 20,000 deaths, describing them as the result of a “misinterpretation of the forensic case-numbering system.” They stressed that delays in releasing official statistics were due to the need to carefully distinguish between civilians, security forces, and armed individuals. Alongside casualty figures, government officials also presented extensive statistics on damage to infrastructure, as well as government, religious, and educational facilities, in an effort to shift the dominant narrative from the killing of protesters to the “scale of destruction and organized violence.” This narrative, however, has been met with widespread skepticism and criticism amid the continued internet shutdown and restricted access to independent information.

International Reactions: Continued Condemnations and Escalating Political Pressure

At the international level, reactions to the crackdown on protests in Iran continued on the twenty-fifth day. Members of the European Parliament once again condemned the internet shutdown and the killing of protesters, stressing the need for more concrete actions. At the same time, discussions emerged in international forums regarding more targeted sanctions and holding those responsible for the crackdown accountable.

In the United States, statements by senior officials, including the country’s president, received widespread attention. Referring to the crackdown on protests in Iran, he spoke of widespread shootings of civilians and the possibility of mass executions. These remarks were rejected by officials of the Islamic Republic, but they contributed to heightened verbal and political tensions at the international level.

Government Response: Widespread Denial, Downplaying of Figures, and Continuation of a Security-Oriented Approach

In response to these pressures, the government’s reaction on the twenty-fifth day focused on denial, minimizing casualty figures, and reproducing a security-based narrative. Officials continued to describe protesters using labels such as “rioters” and “foreign agents,” placing responsibility for the killings on what they called “imposed insecurity.”

The government’s security and judicial approach has not only failed to be scaled back, but in the absence of widespread public protests, efforts have instead been made to institutionalize repression and violence and turn them into routine practices.

Updated Statistics (Aggregated)

Based on aggregated data recorded up to the end of Day 25:

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 633

• Number of cities involved (non-duplicated): 192

• Number of provinces involved (non-duplicated): 31

• Confirmed deaths: 4,902

Protesters: 4,622

Children (under 18): 40

Government/affiliated forces (military and civilian): 201

Non-protesters/civilians: 39

• Deaths under investigation: 9,387

• Seriously injured: 7,389

• Total arrests: 26,541

• Broadcast forced confessions: 181 cases

Summary

On the twenty-fifth day of nationwide protests, the internet shutdown continued, and this time officials adopted a different stance, stating that the timing of reconnection was unspecified. On the same day, officials released their own death toll figures in an effort to challenge statistics reported by independent sources. Meanwhile, international pressure persisted, and the government sought to maintain political and media control of the situation by downplaying the numbers and emphasizing a security-oriented narrative.

12 Prisoners Executed in Multiple Prisons on Drug-Related and Murder Charges

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Executions, News
Chabahar, Damghan Prison, HRANA, Kashmar Prison, Mahabad Prison, Sabzevar Prison, Shiraz prison

HRANA – Amid nationwide protests in Iran, along with widespread internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on the flow of information, at least 12 prisoners were executed today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in multiple prisons. These prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug-related crimes and murder.

Based on information received by HRANA, Musa Sadri was executed in Shiraz Prison and Kiarash Dinari in Malayer Prison on charges related to drug offenses.

Also, Vali Karam Souri in Khorramabad Prison, Avat Amiri in Mahabad Prison, Sultan Morad Sharafinia in Sabzevar Prison, Siavash Arabi in Kashmar Prison, Nabiollah Kaabi in Bushehr Prison, Jabbar Ganji in Chabahar Prison, Jamshid Khanzadeh in Shahrekord Prison, Saeed Javan in Damghan Prison, and two other prisoners, one of whom has been identified by HRANA as Afshin Mohammadi, in Shiraz Prison were executed on murder charges.

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

The continued large-scale implementation of death sentences under conditions of internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on information has intensified concerns about the lack of judicial transparency, prisoners’ denial of access to fair trials, and the increased risk of violations of the right to life. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that carrying out such punishments in a securitized and opaque environment increases the likelihood of serious human rights violations.

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. Based on this report, executions increased by 119% compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even denied the right to a final visit with their families.

Day Twenty-Four of the Protests: Continued Communications Blackout and International Warnings of Crimes Against Humanity

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hammihan, HRANA, internet shutdown, iran protests

HRANA – On the twenty-fourth day of nationwide protests, according to aggregated data compiled by HRANA, the number of confirmed deaths has reached 4,519, while the number of deaths still under investigation stands at 9,049. At least 5,811 people have sustained serious injuries during the protests, and the total number of arrests has risen to 26,314. These figures, amid a communications blackout, security pressure on families, and restricted access to information, likely reflect only a portion of the reality on the ground.

At the same time, developments such as the release of an unprecedented statement by physicians and forensic medicine specialists regarding the alarming treatment of those injured and killed during the protests, the announcement of an emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and warnings by the body’s Special Rapporteur about the potential commission of crimes against humanity all indicate that Iran’s human rights crisis has entered a new and deeper phase.

Nationwide protests in Iran continued into their twenty-fourth day under conditions of widespread internet shutdowns and severe communication restrictions, while judicial and security pressures on media outlets, public figures, and protesting citizens intensified. On that day, the announcement of an emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Council signaled the scale and severity of the human rights crisis in Iran.

Disruption of communications and uncertainty over the timing of restored internet access

On the twenty-fourth day of protests, widespread internet shutdowns and disruptions continued. According to data from global traffic monitoring organizations, Iran is experiencing one of the lowest levels of international internet connectivity in the world. This blackout, now entering one of the longest periods of nationwide communications disruption in recent years, has become a key tool for controlling public space, suppressing the flow of information, and limiting independent documentation of the protests.

While there have been reports of brief and extremely limited internet connections for some users, these instances appear less indicative of a sustained restoration of access and more reflective of shifts in how restrictions are being enforced. At the same time, there are indications of the government’s efforts to implement selective internet access and expand the use of a domestic network (intranet), a move that, if enforced, would further restrict citizens’ free access to the global internet and independent platforms.

Statements by government officials have added to the existing ambiguity. On the one hand, promises have been made regarding the restoration of internet access in the coming days; on the other, the head of the Digital Transformation Commission of the Iran Computer Trade Organization has stated that even if general connectivity is restored, reconnecting foreign platforms will not be possible. These positions indicate that the government’s communications policy is aimed less at returning to the previous status quo and more at managing access in a controlled manner.

The consequences of this situation extend beyond the media and information sphere. Internet shutdowns have seriously disrupted economic activities, online services, family communications, access to medical and emergency services, and the ability to track the status of detainees and the injured. According to human rights organizations, these conditions have increased the risk of enforced disappearances, pressure on families, and the concealment of the true scale of the crackdown.

Escalating Pressure on the Media: Charges Brought Against Two Publications Following the Suspension of Hammihan

As part of ongoing efforts to control the media narrative surrounding the protests, the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office announced that criminal cases have been filed against two additional media outlets. This move came just one day after the suspension of Hammihan newspaper, whose editor-in-chief stated that the ban was imposed due to the publication of reports on violations of medical privacy during the protests.

According to the prosecutor’s statement, the new cases have been opened on charges of “spreading false news” related to the nationwide protests. These actions are taking place amid internet shutdowns and widespread restrictions that have severely curtailed the ability of independent media to operate freely, effectively allowing the government’s official narrative to dominate the domestic public sphere. Observers view the simultaneous suspension of media outlets and the internet blackout as evidence of intensified information control and an effort to prevent the dissemination of on-the-ground reporting about the suppression of protests.

Statement by Physicians and Forensic Specialists: Warning of Systematic Violations of Medical and Autopsy Standards

On the twenty-fourth day, a group of medical doctors, paramedics, and forensic medicine specialists released an analytical statement examining publicly available images and videos of those injured and killed during the protests. The statement points to serious and alarming patterns indicating violations of fundamental principles of medicine, forensic practice, and medical neutrality.

The report cites evidence suggesting that some of the deceased had undergone medical intervention prior to death. The presence of equipment such as angiocatheter lines, urinary catheters, breathing tubes, and cardiac monitoring devices on bodies found outside medical settings strengthens the possibility that some injured individuals died after treatment had begun or were removed from medical facilities without confirmation of death.

Other sections of the statement refer to cases in which gunshot-wounded individuals were abandoned without triage or treatment, extensive abdominal incisions carried out outside recognized forensic protocols, signs of severe physical violence, mutilation, decapitation, and the collective relocation of bodies. There are also reports of evidence consistent with exposure to toxic chemical substances and severe thermal destruction of remains, factors that severely limit the possibility of conducting independent forensic examinations.

The signatories emphasized that although the report faces methodological limitations due to the lack of direct access to bodies and medical records, the overall findings are consistent with patterns of systematic mistreatment in mass casualties and serious human rights violations, and could serve as a basis for future independent investigations.

Heightened Security Atmosphere: Widespread Presence of Forces and Mass Arrests

Field reports received from various cities across the country indicate the persistence of a heavy security atmosphere. A widespread presence of law enforcement, security forces, Basij units, and plainclothes agents has been reported in public spaces, high-traffic areas, and at city entry and exit points. Checkpoints, motorcycle patrols, and on-the-ground controls have increased noticeably. This situation becomes particularly intense after nightfall, contributing to an atmosphere of deterrence and fear in urban areas.

At the same time, large-scale arrests continue across multiple provinces. According to HRANA reports, at least dozens of citizens have been arrested in provinces including Qazvin, Fars, Razavi Khorasan, Ilam, Semnan, and Kerman. In some cases, security agencies have labeled detainees as “protest leaders” or accused them of serious charges such as killing security personnel. The release of official or semi-official arrest figures, beyond their operational function, also serves as a warning and intimidation tactic aimed at suppressing protests through social pressure.

Judicial Action Against Public Figures: Cases Filed Against Athletes, Artists, and Business Owners

The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has announced that judicial cases have been opened against 15 athletes and actors, 10 signatories of a statement by the Iranian House of Cinema, and 60 business units for supporting the nationwide protests. According to the statement, the assets of some of these individuals have also been seized.

These measures are part of a broader pattern of judicial action against well-known figures and cultural activists and are assessed as an effort to increase the social and economic costs of supporting the protests. At the same time, the failure to disclose the names of the accused and detailed information about the cases has added to the legal ambiguity surrounding these actions.

International Reactions: Escalating Political and Diplomatic Pressure

At the international level, reactions to the suppression of protests in Iran have continued and intensified. The European Parliament, strongly condemning the use of violence against protesters and the internet shutdown, has called for accountability from Iranian authorities, with some lawmakers emphasizing the need to tighten sanctions and diplomatic restrictions.

It has also been reported that several European airlines have suspended or halted their flights to Iran, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has advised airlines to avoid Iranian airspace. These decisions reflect growing concerns over the country’s security situation and the political consequences of recent developments.

Emergency Session of the UN Human Rights Council and Warning of Crimes Against Humanity

The United Nations Human Rights Council has announced that it will hold a special emergency session on Friday to address the human rights situation in Iran. The stated aim of the session is to examine violence against protesters, communications shutdowns, and other serious human rights violations.

In this context, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran has stated that existing evidence, including images and videos showing direct gunfire at unarmed civilians, raises the need to examine the possible commission of crimes against humanity. She described the internet shutdown as one of the main obstacles to independent investigations and called for unrestricted access by international bodies to information and evidence.

Evidence Pointing to the Military’s Role in the Crackdown

In recent days, uncertainty and speculation regarding the role of the military in the ongoing events have increased. The announcement of the identity of the first army casualty during the recent protests, along with the lack of transparent explanation regarding his mission, has raised questions about the level of the military’s involvement in confronting the protests. Although officials have not confirmed a direct role for the army in street-level repression, certain statements and field evidence have fueled these speculations.

Government Responses: Emphasis on a Security and Judicial Approach

On the twenty-fourth day of the protests, government officials’ responses became increasingly focused on controlling the narrative, managing international repercussions, and intensifying domestic judicial action. While no nationwide official casualty figures have been released, scattered remarks by some local officials have created cracks in the official narrative.

In this context, the deputy for security and law enforcement affairs of the Razavi Khorasan Governor’s Office stated that “around 400 people” had been killed in Mashhad (a remark that were first published by pro-government media and later removed). These statements were immediately followed by efforts to discredit them, with the deceased largely described as “martyrs” or as victims of “rioters.” The rapid removal of these remarks from official media outlets is seen as a sign of the authorities’ sensitivity to the publication of any uncontrolled casualty figures.

On the security front, military and law enforcement officials continue to emphasize a narrative of “confronting organized and terrorist riots.” At the same time, some official statements have attempted to deny or downplay the use of live ammunition by government forces—a position that contradicts extensive medical evidence, published videos, and field reports documenting direct gunfire against unarmed protesters.

Overall, the government’s responses on the twenty-fourth day were focused less on transparent accountability regarding casualties and the handling of protesters, and more on information control, deterrent judicial measures, and managing political and international consequences.

Updated Statistics

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

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 629

• Number of cities involved (non-duplicated): 188

• Number of provinces involved (non-duplicated): 31

• Confirmed deaths: 4,519

Protesters: 4,251

Children (under 18): 33

Government/affiliated forces (military and civilian): 197

Non-protesters/civilians: 38

• Deaths under investigation: 9,049

• Seriously injured: 5,811

• Total arrests: 26,314

• Broadcast forced confessions: 167 cases

Note: Given the widespread internet shutdowns, the pervasive security environment, and restricted access to information, the actual figures are likely significantly higher. The data presented above is based exclusively on individually verified cases.

Summary

The twenty-fourth day of nationwide protests passed amid the continued internet blackout, intensified pressure on media outlets and public figures, and growing alarming reports regarding the treatment of the injured and the deceased. At the same time, international reactions and the convening of an emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Council increasingly placed Iran’s human rights crisis at the center of global attention.

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Day Twenty-Two of the Protests: The Scale of the Killings Grows as the Internet Shutdown Continues

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, internet shutdown, iran protests

HRANA – On the twenty-second day of nationwide protests in Iran, amid the continued widespread internet shutdown and reports of limited and unstable connections in some areas, the wave of arrests continued in various cities. At the same time, senior government officials intensified their threatening rhetoric in response to external pressure. According to verified case-based statistics as of the end of this day, 3,919 people have been killed, while 8,949 additional deaths are still under investigation by HRANA. Additionally, 2,109 people have been severely injured, and the number of confirmed detainees has reached 24,669. Alongside these developments, numerous reports have emerged of increased pressure on families, difficulties in handing over the bodies of those killed, and the continuation of a heavy security atmosphere in some regions.

Amid the ongoing severe disruption of internet access and communications, reports point to rising fatalities, widespread arrests, and an intensified security presence across cities nationwide.

Disruption of Communications

On the twenty-second day, following several days of an almost complete internet shutdown, reports emerged of limited and unstable internet connectivity in some parts of the country. These intermittent connections allowed a portion of the accumulated information and images from previous days to reach independent sources with delay, revealing the broader scope of the crackdown and killings.

According to information received, with the partial restoration of internet access, images and reports from forensic medicine centers, morgues, and burial sites of those killed were published, indicating a high number of bodies that had not been handed over and pressure on families to remain silent and conduct nighttime burials. In some cases, families reported that the delivery of their loved ones’ bodies was made conditional on signing written pledges or accepting the official narrative.

Despite these intermittent connections, global internet access remains severely disrupted in most parts of the country. The sending and receiving of information is widely reported as unstable, and many citizens are only able to communicate during short time windows. This situation continues to seriously hinder independent reporting, accurate documentation of events, and the completion of human rights statistics.

Foreign Reactions

At the international level, reactions to the crackdown on protests and the internet shutdown continued, with harsher positions voiced in some political circles compared to previous days. In the United States, statements circulated emphasizing the need for change in Iran’s leadership structure and holding the highest levels of the ruling establishment responsible for the violence.

At the same time, discussions about expanding sanctions, limiting diplomatic relations, and preventing the normalization of engagement with the Islamic Republic were raised in political circles and parliaments of several countries. A number of governments also issued new security advisories for their citizens, warning about Iran’s unstable domestic situation.

Government Responses

Inside the country, government officials responded to foreign positions by reinforcing a security-based narrative of the protests, describing protesters using rhetoric such as “affiliation with the enemy” and “threats to national security.” At the same time, Iran’s president warned that any “attack” on the Supreme Leader would amount to “all-out war,” a stance that received widespread attention in both domestic and international media.

On the security front, the Ministry of Intelligence announced in a statement that more than 300 citizens had been arrested on charges it described as “leading the protests.” In addition, numerous reports emerged of arrests in various cities, including the detention of a lawyer in Tehran and scattered arrests in several other cities.

Some military and security institutions have also reported the arrest of protesters in different provinces. In some cases, videos of so-called “confessions” by detainees have been released, though the circumstances under which they were recorded remain unclear. The continuation of this trend has heightened concerns about increased pressure on detainees and the use of forced confessions.

The judiciary has likewise defended the ongoing measures, stating that cases related to detainees are being processed swiftly.

Government Responses

Inside the country, government officials responded to foreign positions by reinforcing a security-based narrative of the protests, describing protesters using rhetoric such as “affiliation with the enemy” and “threats to national security.” At the same time, Iran’s president warned that any “attack” on the Supreme Leader would amount to “all-out war,” a stance that received widespread attention in both domestic and international media.

On the security front, the Ministry of Intelligence announced in a statement that more than 300 citizens had been arrested on charges it described as “leading the protests.” In addition, numerous reports emerged of arrests in various cities, including the detention of a lawyer in Tehran and scattered arrests in several other cities.

Some military and security institutions have also reported the arrest of protesters in different provinces. In some cases, videos of so-called “confessions” by detainees have been released, though the circumstances under which they were recorded remain unclear. The continuation of this trend has heightened concerns about increased pressure on detainees and the use of forced confessions.

The judiciary has likewise defended the ongoing measures, stating that cases related to detainees are being processed swiftly.

Statistics (Cumulative as of the End of Day Twenty-Two)

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

• Number of recorded protests: 624

• Total confirmed fatalities: 3,919

Protesters: 3,685

Children under 18: 25

Military and government forces: 178

Non-protesting civilians: 31

• Deaths under investigation: 8,949

• Severely injured: 2,109

• Detainees (arrested or identified): 24,669

• Broadcast forced confessions: 145 cases

These figures are based solely on verified individual reports. Given the internet shutdown, communication restrictions, and limited independent access to information, the actual numbers are likely significantly higher than reported.

Summary

The twenty-second day of protests was marked by the continued widespread internet disruption, reports of limited and unstable connectivity, and an intensified security atmosphere accompanied by ongoing arrests. At the political level, the escalation of threatening rhetoric by government officials, alongside continued international reactions, indicates that the crisis remains on an upward trajectory. With communication restrictions persisting, a substantial number of casualties and instances of repression remain under investigation, and confirmed figures are likely to increase in the coming days.

Execution of at Least 22 Prisoners on Charges of Murder and Drug-Related Offenses

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Executions, News
Bojnurd, Bushehr, Damghan, Esfarayen, Ferdows, HRANA, Mahabad, Malayer, Mashhad, mass executions, Nowshahr, Quchan, Sanandaj

HRANA – Amid nationwide protests and the continued widespread internet shutdown in Iran, between January 12 to January 15, 2026, the death sentences of at least 22 prisoners, including one woman, were carried out in various prisons across the country. These individuals had previously been sentenced to death on charges including murder, drug-related crimes, and moharebeh (enmity against God) through armed robbery.

Based on HRANA’s findings, on Monday, January 12, 2026, Arta Saei was executed in Nowshahr Prison on a charge of murder. On January 13, four other prisoners were executed: Akram Rezaei (female) and Hamzeh Jafari, both on murder charges in Rasht Prison; Kourosh Bozorgmehr on a charge of moharebeh through armed robbery in Sanandaj Prison; and Mohammadjavad Naeimi on a murder charge in Gonabad Prison.

On Wednesday, January 14, 11 prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death on murder charges were executed in various prisons. Among them were three prisoners in Shiraz Prison, one of whom has been identified as Sharif Dehghani; Armin Aghapour in Bushehr Prison; Jalil Shahbazi in Mashhad Prison; Ali Agha Hemmati in Chabahar Prison; Mousa Askari in Damghan Prison; Mehrshad Asadabadi in Mahabad Prison; Seyed Ali Hatami in Ferdows Prison; Ehsan Ansari in Quchan Prison; and Aziz Morad Hosseini in Esfarayen Prison. On the same day, Borzou Mahdinia was executed in Malayer Prison and Farshad Heydari-Kia in Bojnurd Prison. These two prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on drug-related charges.

Continuing on Thursday, January 15, four more prisoners were executed on murder charges. On that day, Azim Omari was executed in Behbahan Prison; Saleh Kaabi in Mahshahr Prison; Omid Jamshidi in Sari Prison; and an Afghan national in Taybad Prison.

Further details, including the identification of three of the prisoners, are still under investigation by HRANA.

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

The continued large-scale implementation of death sentences amid internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on the flow of information has intensified concerns over the lack of judicial transparency, prisoners’ denial of access to fair trials, and the heightened risk of violations of the right to life. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that carrying out executions in a securitized and opaque environment increases the likelihood of serious human rights abuses.

According to the 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. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even denied the right to a final visit with their families.

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

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

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

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

Ongoing Communications Disruptions

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

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

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

International Reactions

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

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

Government Reactions

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

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

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

Statistics (as of the End of Day 21)

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

• Recorded protests: 621 cases

• Confirmed fatalities: 3,308 people

Protesters: 3,097

Children under 18: 22

Military and government forces: 166

Non-protesting civilians: 23

• Deaths under investigation: 4,382 cases

• Severely injured: 2,107 people

• Arrested individuals: 24,266 people

• Broadcast forced confessions: 132 cases

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

Conclusion

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

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

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, internet shutdown, iran protests, nationwide protests, Spreading Justice

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

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

Disruption of Communications

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

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

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

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

International Reactions

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

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

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

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

Government Responses

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

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

Statistics Through the End of Day 20

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

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

• Total confirmed deaths: 3,090

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

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

• Deaths under review: 3,882

• Severely injured: 2,055

• Arrests: 22,123 cases

• Broadcast forced confessions: 132 cases

Conclusion

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

Execution of at Least 52 Prisoners in Iran on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
executions, executions in iran, HRANA, mass executions, Nowshahr, Sanandaj

HRANA – Concurrent with nationwide protests in Iran and amid a widespread internet shutdown across the country, the execution of at least 52 prisoners has been reported in 42 different prisons. These individuals had previously been sentenced to death on charges including murder, drug-related offenses, and other non-political and non-security-related accusations.

Their sentences were carried out between January 5 to 14, 2026. These executions took place under conditions in which public access to information was severely restricted, and independent oversight of judicial proceedings and the implementation of sentences was effectively impossible.

A review of the information received by HRANA indicates that despite the imposition of severe communication restrictions nationwide, the implementation of death sentences continued without interruption. Based on these findings, the executions were carried out in at least 42 prisons across various provinces of Iran, covering a wide range of geographical areas.

Between Monday, January 5 to 12, at least 37 prisoners were executed in various prisons across the country:
Mohammadjavad Rasouli executed in Nowshahr Prison on Monday, January 5; Arsalan Arabi in Rasht Prison on Tuesday, January 6; and Mahyar Mohammadi in Sanandaj Prison on Wednesday, January 7, all on murder charges. Additionally, on Saturday, January 10, multiple executions on murder charges were recorded in different prisons, including Mostafa Sheikhi in Khorramabad Prison, Samyar Emkani in Kermanshah Prison, Ebrahim Rayati in Hamedan Prison, Bahman Shokri in Dezful Prison, and Masoud Mardani in Yasuj Prison.

Furthermore, on Sunday, January 11, the executions of Simrad Zali in Borujerd Prison, Ayin Mousavi in Qom Prison, Hamid Khatib in Ardabil Prison, Jabbar Gholipour in Qazvin Prison, and Alireza Bagheri in Tabriz Prison were reported, all on murder charges. Also, on Monday, January 12, the executions of Ali Teymouri in Gorgan Prison, Parviz Khani in Neyshabur Prison, Sobhan Ghasemi in Dorud Prison, Hossein Jalili in Zanjan Prison, Javad Bahrami in Saveh Prison, Sajad Bamari in Kerman Prison, and Habibollah Shakeri in Kashan Prison were reported on murder charges.

In addition to murder charges, a number of the executions were reported to have been carried out on drug-related charges. Ahmad Hemmati was executed in Gonabad Prison on Wednesday, January 7; Khodarahm Mehri in Esfarayen Prison on the same day; Vali Karambeigi-Nejad in Quchan Prison on Thursday, January 8; Mehdi Babaei in Nahavand Prison on Saturday, January 10; Abdolhossein Zakipour in Arak Prison on Sunday, January 11; and Mola Joozipour in Semnan Prison on Sunday, all on charges related to drug offenses.

During the current week, a new wave of executions has been reported. On Saturday, January 10, the execution of two prisoners in Karaj Prison on drug-related charges was recorded; the identity of one of them was announced as Sasan Amini. On the same day, the execution of three prisoners in Aligudarz Prison on murder charges was reported, with the identities of two of them announced as Reza Shahmohammadi and Younes Parsa. On Sunday, January 11, the execution of two prisoners in Bandar Abbas Prison on murder charges was also reported, with the identity of one of them announced as Behzad Niazi. Additionally, on Monday, January 12, the execution of four prisoners in Isfahan Prison on murder charges was recorded, with the identity of one of them announced as Sattar Ahmadi.

On Tuesday, January 13, at least 10 prisoners were executed in various prisons across the country. According to available information, six prisoners were executed on murder charges, including Sohrab Fathi in Birjand Prison, Morteza Gholami in Ilam Prison, Mohammad-Amin Boghlani in Ahvaz Prison, Hamed Latifi in Yazd Prison, Najafali Navabi in Jiroft Prison, and Jalal Bakhtiari in Borazjan Prison. On the same day, Karim Piri in Bam Prison, Keyomars Sanaei in Khaf Prison, and Aziz Alipanahi in Yazd Prison were executed on charges related to drug offenses, and another prisoner was executed in Yazd on non-political and non-security-related charges.

On Wednesday, January 14, the execution of at least five prisoners on murder charges was also reported: Dariush Bozorgi  in Mahabad Prison; Mostafa Azizi and Arman Mohammadian in Kashmar Prison; Yaser Akbari in Shahrekord Prison; and Khosrow Abdi in Sabzevar Prison.

Further details, including the identification of seven of the prisoners, are still under review by HRANA.

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

The continuation of the widespread implementation of death sentences amid internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on the flow of information has intensified concerns over the lack of judicial transparency, prisoners’ denial of access to fair trials, and the heightened risk of violations of the right to life. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that carrying out these punishments in a securitized and opaque environment increases the likelihood of serious human rights violations.

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. Based on this report, executions increased by 119% compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even denied the right to a final visit with their families.