Tag: HRANA

Day Eighteen of the Protests: Global Focus on Casualties and Mass Arrests Amid Communications Blackout

HRANA’s aggregated figures indicate the registration of 617 protest gatherings in 187 cities across the country, the arrest of at least 18,470 people, and the confirmed deaths of 2,615 individuals, a situation that, alongside the decline in verifiable on-the-ground evidence, has intensified international concerns over the scale of the crackdown.
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2026 protests, death toll, HRANA, iran protests, nationwide protests

HRANA – The eighteenth day of Iran’s nationwide protests passed amid a continued shutdown of communications with the outside world. HRANA’s aggregated figures indicate the registration of 617 protest gatherings in 187 cities across the country, the arrest of at least 18,470 people, and the confirmed deaths of 2,615 individuals, a situation that, alongside the decline in verifiable on-the-ground evidence, has intensified international concerns over the scale of the crackdown.

The eighteenth day of the nationwide protests unfolded while Iran’s disconnection from the global internet persisted, and access to verifiable field evidence remained limited compared to the peak days of the demonstrations. In this context, developments on this day focused primarily on the continued communications blackout, rising casualty and arrest figures in aggregated data, and the escalation of international reactions and positions regarding the situation in Iran.

With the ongoing internet shutdown, the ability to receive and verify field reports from inside the country continued to face serious disruption. On the eighteenth day, no verifiable reports of newly registered street protests were available, a situation that may reflect either a decline in visible street demonstrations or the direct result of severe communications restrictions and the difficulty of independent documentation.

At the same time, media outlets and monitoring organizations remained focused on the human and security consequences of the protests. Aggregated data show that although the flow of field information has slowed, the upward trend in the number of casualties, injured individuals, and arrests has continued, an issue that, particularly amid the communications blackout, has heightened concerns about the true extent of violence and repression remaining concealed.

At the international level, reactions became more pronounced on the eighteenth day. The President of the United States stated that he had been “informed” that killings and executions in Iran had stopped, remarks that, given the continued security atmosphere and reports of rising casualties, were met with skepticism and critical responses. At the same time, several European governments, citing security assessments, reduced their diplomatic presence in Tehran or advised their citizens to leave Iran.

Within this framework, the President of the European Parliament also issued a message addressed to the people of Iran, urging them not to lose hope and emphasizing the support of European institutions for human rights and civil demands. Meanwhile, critical positions by governments and international bodies regarding the suppression of protesters, internet shutdowns, and mass arrests continued, alongside warnings about the human rights consequences of the situation.

HRANA’s Aggregated Statistics up to the End of Day Eighteen

According to HRANA’s aggregated data up to the end of the eighteenth day of the protests, a total of 617 protest gatherings have been recorded nationwide. These demonstrations took place in 187 cities and covered all 31 provinces of the country.

In terms of arrests, the detention of 18,470 individuals has been confirmed. In addition, the number of broadcast forced confessions has reached 105 cases, and 2,054 injured individuals with severe injuries have been reported.

Regarding human casualties, the total number of confirmed deaths has been announced as 2,615. Of these, 2,435 were protesters, and the deaths of 13 children under the age of 18 have been confirmed. Additionally, 14 non-protesting civilians are recorded among the fatalities. On the other side, 153 members of security forces and government supporters have lost their lives. Furthermore, 882 additional deaths remain under investigation.

Brief Background

The nationwide protests began on December 28, 2025, and, after reaching their widest geographical spread in the middle days, entered a new phase following the government’s imposition of communications shutdowns, one in which the collection and independent verification of field data has become structurally more difficult. The eighteenth day followed this same pattern and was defined less by clear, verifiable signs of street protests and more by a communications blackout, a sharp increase in aggregated figures for casualties and arrests, and an intensification of international pressure and reactions.

Day Seventeen of Iran’s Protests: Continued Internet Shutdown, Spike in Figures, and Intensifying Global Reactions

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1404 protests, HRANA, internet shutdown, Nationwide Protests in Iran, protests 2026

HRANA – The seventeenth day of Iran’s nationwide protests unfolded amid the continued severing of the country’s communications with the outside world, limiting access to verifiable on-the-ground evidence, as in previous days. Within this context, three main developments stood out: the continuation of the nationwide internet shutdown and the resulting restrictions on independent documentation; a noticeable surge in the cumulative figures for casualties and arrests based on HRANA’s data; and a more pronounced wave of international reactions and diplomatic actions.

The disruption of communications on the seventeenth day continued to be described as one of the defining elements of the crisis. The prolonged internet blackout not only narrowed the channels for verification and for conveying an accurate picture of conditions inside the country, but also caused a significant portion of information to reach the outside world with delays, in fragmented form, and with limited ability to be verified. In this context, some internet monitoring organizations reported that the blackout had extended over several days, while certain European officials described the situation as one that could increase the possibility of repression under a “news blackout.”

On the seventeenth day of the protests, some media outlets continued to report on the “ongoing protests” in Iran, while at the same time stressing that the communications shutdown had made it extremely difficult to present a precise picture of developments on the ground.

At the international level, reactions on the seventeenth day were more explicit and more extensive. The UN Secretary-General, referring to reports of violence and excessive use of force, called on Iranian authorities to exercise restraint and to refrain from the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force. In Europe, senior European Union officials, while condemning the violent crackdown, emphasized the need to release detainees and fully restore internet access. At the same time, reports emerged of Iranian ambassadors being summoned in several European capitals and formal protests being conveyed over the crackdown; some governments, including Finland, spoke of summoning the ambassador and reviewing coordinated measures within the framework of the European Union.

Alongside these positions, some governments intensified their security and consular advisories. Among them, Canada urged its citizens to leave Iran if possible and with due regard for safety considerations, pointing to alternative overland routes. Reports also surfaced regarding a reduction in diplomatic presence or the departure of non-essential staff from some foreign missions in Tehran.

In the U.S. political arena, messages concerning Iran also continued. The President of the United States, in statements addressed to protesters, emphasized the continuation of protests and spoke of “help on the way”; in some media narratives, these positions were accompanied by speculation about tougher options or broader pressure. At the same time, some outlets reported on more hardline positions taken by certain figures and officials regarding the future of Iran’s government.

Concurrently with these developments, the Human Rights Activists in Iran issued a statement condemning the use of lethal force against protesters amid the nationwide internet shutdown and expressing grave concern over the escalation of violence across the country. In its statement, the group stressed that the deliberate shutdown of the internet has disrupted access to vital information, emergency services, and the ability to independently document and verify violations, thereby creating conditions for the continued excessive use of force. The statement emphasized the need for an immediate halt to the use of lethal force, the full restoration of internet access, guaranteed unhindered access to medical services, and the conduct of independent, impartial, and effective investigations into human rights violations, and called on the international community to take action to ensure accountability and prevent further abuses.

The organization also stated that under the current conditions it will continue documentation and verification efforts at the highest possible standards and will publish updates as information is confirmed.

HRANA Statistics as of the End of the Day

According to HRANA’s aggregated data through the end of the seventeenth day, a total of 614 protest gatherings have been recorded nationwide. These demonstrations took place in 187 cities and covered all 31 provinces of the country. Regarding arrests, the detention of 18,434 individuals has been confirmed. At the same time, 97 cases of forced confessions have been broadcast, and 1,134 people with severe injuries have been reported.

In terms of human losses, the deaths of 2,403 protesters have been confirmed. Among those killed, 12 children (individuals under 18 years of age) have been recorded. Additionally, nine non-protesting civilians (neither military personnel nor protesters) are included among the deceased. On the other side, 147 members of security forces and government supporters have been killed, including at least five civilian supporters of the government.

In Conclusion

The seventeenth day of the protests was less a day of “visible expansion on the streets” and more a day marking the consolidation of a high-risk situation under conditions of communications blackout. At the same time, HRANA’s cumulative data indicate a significant surge in the figures for fatalities, arrests, and injuries. Internationally, condemnations and diplomatic actions intensified, and security advisories issued by some governments urging their nationals to leave Iran became more prominent. Within this context, the statement issued by the Human Rights Activists in Iran further amplified concerns over the use of lethal force and the consequences of the internet shutdown for monitoring and accountability.

Sistan and Baluchestan: At Least 550 Detained Amid Ongoing Protests

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Chabahar, HRANA, Iranshahr, Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan

HRANA – During the ongoing nationwide protests, at least 350 citizens, including women, children, and students, were arrested by security forces in Zahedan, Chabahar, and Iranshahr. With these arrests, the total number of detainees in Sistan and Baluchestan Province has risen to at least 550.

The identities of 16 of those arrested in Chabahar County have been reported by Haal Vsh as: Roya Sedighi, approximately 26 years old; Parisa Raeisi, approximately 26; Maral Shirani; Fatemeh Shirani; Ayoub Jadgal, approximately 27; Abdolkhaleel Baluchi; Sajad Raisi; Nader Narouei; Azim Jadgal; Aref Ahourani; Majid Kadkhodaie; Halim Soleimani; Navab Baluchi; Mahmoud Shahouzahi; Hafez Gholami, approximately 19; and Samer Dorzadeh, approximately 30.

This news outlet has also identified 12 citizens arrested in Iranshahr as: Hamed Kalaki, approximately 28; Javad Rigi; Golmohammad Arbab; Nasser Narouei, approximately 35; Javid Zeynoddini; Ali Salahzehi; Yousef Askani; E’jaz Bamari; Jamal Bamari, approximately 21; Mohammad Ali Bijarzahi; Farhad Shiehaki; and Akbar Lashkarzehi.

Previously, the arrest of 200 citizens, along with the identification of 11 of those detained, had been reported by Hal Vash.

According to the report, of the total number of detainees, 320 were arrested in Zahedan and 230 in the cities of Chabahar and Iranshahr. Informed sources stated that these arrests were carried out en masse and violently, and that many individuals sustained physical injuries as a result of beatings with batons, punches, and kicks.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran. After two days, they 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 sixteenth day of the protests, published last night.

Sixteenth Day of Protests: Families of Victims Gather at Behesht Zahra Cemetery as Total Communications Blackout Continues

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Behesht Zahra Cemetery, HRANA, Tehran

HRANA – On the sixteenth day of nationwide protests in Iran, January 12, the complete internet shutdown and disruption of all communication channels across the country continue, effectively eliminating independent access to information. In this context, aggregated data and documentation compiled by human rights organizations indicate a sharp rise in casualties and arrests.

According to the latest confirmed figures by HRANA, as of this date, 646 people have been killed in the course of the protests. This figure includes 505 protesters (among them 9 children), 133 military and law enforcement personnel, one prosecutor, and seven non-protesting civilian citizens.
In addition, 579 other reports of deaths remain under review. At the same time, reports have emerged of gatherings and slogan-chanting by families of those killed at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran, signaling the continuation of protests even in the context of mourning, an issue that, amid the complete communications blackout, has heightened concerns over the true масшале of the crackdown.

Following 606 gatherings in 187 cities across Iran, protests have continued into the sixteenth day despite the total communications shutdown.

Communications Status: Total Blackout and Information Blockade

On the sixteenth day of protests, the internet shutdown and the disruption of all communication routes have entered an unprecedented phase. According to published reports, the internet blackout has exceeded 100 hours. In addition to fixed and mobile internet services, telephone calls and other communication tools have been severely disrupted or effectively cut off.

This situation has not only halted public information flows but has also placed serious constraints on the independent verification processes of human rights organizations. Under such conditions, a significant portion of available information is received with delays, through limited and high-risk channels, and the ability to present a complete and up-to-date picture of developments on the ground has been reduced to a minimum.

HRANA Statistics Through the End of the Sixteenth Day

According to HRANA’s latest aggregated and verified data through the end of the sixteenth day of protests:

• 505 protesters have been killed.
• Among them, Nine children (under the age of 18) have been identified.
• 133 members of military and law enforcement forces have been killed.
• One non-military government affiliate (a prosecutor) has died.
• Seven of those killed were non-protesting civilian citizens.

Based on these figures, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 646 as of this date.
In addition, HRANA has received 579 other reports of deaths that remain under review and verification.

With reliance on supplementary data, the total number of detainees has reached 10,721 to date.
Furthermore, 97 cases of forced confessions by detainees have so far been published by official or government-affiliated media—reflecting the continued security and judicial pressure on those arrested.

Key Field Developments: Gathering at Behesht Zahra, Tehran

One of the most significant developments on the sixteenth day has been the circulation of reports and videos from Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran. These reports show that families who have received the bodies of those killed in the protests or buried their loved ones gathered at burial sites and chanted protest slogans.

Holding such gatherings in a heavily securitized environment and under conditions of a complete internet and communications shutdown demonstrates the persistence of dissent and protest even in spaces associated with mourning and funeral rites, an indication of the deep connection between street protests and the families’ pursuit of justice for victims.

Official Government Narrative and Escalation of Security Rhetoric

As casualty figures rise, officials of the Islamic Republic and state media continue to emphasize claims of a “fabricated narrative” by media outlets and international organizations, placing responsibility for the violence on “foreign elements,” “terrorists,” and “rioters.”

Against this backdrop, pro-government rallies have taken place in multiple cities and have been lauded by senior officials, while threats of a “no-leniency” response toward protesters, activists, and alleged protest “instigators” have escalated.

International Reactions and Developments Over the Past 24 Hours

At the international level, the sixteenth day of protests was accompanied by a new wave of reactions:

• European leaders and officials expressed “shock” over the intensity of violence used against protesters and accused the Iranian government of presenting a “fabricated narrative” of events.

• The President of the European Parliament announced restrictions on the entry of diplomatic staff and representatives of the Islamic Republic into the Parliament’s buildings, an action seen as a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the European Union and Iran.

• Several European governments, including France and Sweden, have evacuated non-essential staff from their embassies in Tehran or advised their citizens to leave Iran due to the deteriorating security situation.

• The governments of Germany, France, and Ireland condemned the “brutal and disproportionate” crackdown on protesters and emphasized the need for an immediate halt to violence and the restoration of internet access.

• In the United States, senior officials once again stated that “various options” in response to developments in Iran are under review, while simultaneously expressing a preference for a diplomatic path.

Documentation Constraints and Security Considerations

The complete internet shutdown and communications blackout, in addition to reducing the flow of information, have created serious security risks for citizens, journalists, and activists inside the country. Under such conditions, the transfer of data, images, and videos is carried out with high risk, and many incidents may never be documented.

HRANA emphasizes that all published figures represent minimum estimates based on verified data, and given the current conditions, there is a strong possibility that these numbers will rise significantly.

Background

Nationwide protests in Iran began on December 28 and today (January 12) mark their sixteenth day. Since the thirteenth day of protests, the Iranian government has imposed a widespread internet and communications shutdown, effectively placing the country in a state of information blackout.

In this context, the noticeable rise in the death toll, the continuation of mass arrests, the publication of forced confessions, and now the gatherings of families of those killed at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran paint a troubling picture of escalating repression alongside continued civil resistance and demands for justice.

Eight Protesters Arrested in Marvdasht, Several Others in Yasuj

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HRANA, Marvdasht, Yasuj

HRANA – Media outlets close to security institutions reported that eight protesting citizens were arrested in Marvdasht and several others in Yasuj in connection with the protests. Among those detained, forced confessions from two protesters have been released, footage whose recording conditions remain unclear.

According to Tasnim, the police commander of Marvdasht announced the arrest of eight individuals in the city. This law enforcement official accused the citizens of causing “riots” and damaging public property.

Additionally, one of the security-affiliated channels reported the arrest of several protesters in Yasuj. The report included a video of forced confessions from two protesters, though it is unclear under what circumstances the video was recorded.

These reports did not provide further details, including the identities of those arrested or their current conditions.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, and after two days spread beyond markets 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 fifteenth day of the protests, published last night.

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Day Fifteen of Iran’s Nationwide Protests: Sharp Rise in Human Casualties

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HRANA, internet shutdown, Kahrizak

HRANA – According to the latest data from HRANA, the deaths of 544 people during the protests have been confirmed, and dozens of additional cases remain under review. More than 10,681 individuals have also been transferred to prisons following arrest. Protests have taken place at 585 locations across the country, in 186 cities, spanning all 31 provinces.

On the fifteenth day of Iran’s nationwide protests, HRANA received a new wave of data and visual documentation over the past 24 hours. This comes amid an internet shutdown that has been in place since day thirteen, severely disrupting the collection and independent verification of information.

These data, particularly visual documentation and evidence related to body-holding facilities around Tehran, have greatly aided the verification process and indicate that the death toll is far higher and that the crackdown has been carried out on a much broader scale. At the same time, the government’s official narrative has grown increasingly harsh and securitized, with officials placing responsibility on “terrorists” and “armed rioters.”

Internet Shutdown and Its Impact on Access to Information

The internet shutdown has now entered its third day, heightening concerns over “severe repression.” NetBlocks has reported that Iran’s connectivity to the outside world remains at around only one percent of normal levels, a situation that has effectively minimized public access to information and the ability of individuals to communicate with one another.

Within this context, the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission has called on the Iranian government to immediately restore internet and mobile connectivity and to put an end to “violent repression.” The mission has also expressed concern over information indicating that the Supreme National Security Council has instructed security forces to carry out repression in a “decisive and unrestrained” manner.

HRANA’s Statistical Summary up to January 11

Based on HRANA’s latest aggregated and verified data to date, protests have taken place at 585 locations nationwide, including 186 cities across all 31 provinces. As of this date:

• 47 members of military/law enforcement forces have been killed.
• One government-affiliated non-civilian (a prosecutor) has been killed.
• 483 protesters have been killed.
• Eight children (under 18) are recorded among the dead (not included in the above figures).
• Five people have been killed as non-protesting civilian citizens.

Accordingly, the total number of confirmed fatalities has reached 544 so far. In addition, HRANA has received 579 other reports of deaths that remain under investigation.

In the area of arrests, with access to new data from several prisons (as transfer locations for detainees from the recent protests), the number of confirmed detainees has so far been recorded at 10,681. Additionally, 96 cases of forced confessions by detainees have been broadcast in state media or outlets close to the government to date.

Key Data Today: Visual Evidence and the “Concentration of Bodies” in a Single Location

The most significant development of the past 24 hours has been the widespread circulation of videos and information related to the holding of bodies at the Kahrizak Legal Medicine Organization and/or facilities affiliated with Tehran’s Legal Medicine Organization. These videos have both heightened public concern over the death toll and significantly strengthened the capacity of human rights organizations to verify death cases.

The circulated videos show a “large number of bodies” at the Kahrizak Legal Medicine facility. In these videos, families can be seen identifying bodies, and based on information visible in some of the footage, the number of bodies may be estimated at up to around 250.

In the published videos, many citizens are seen identifying their loved ones among the bodies.

In a significant step, state broadcaster IRIB also released a video report from a “large warehouse” in which numerous bodies are visible; however, the official narrative attributed the killings to “protesters.” This report was released after earlier footage (received by HRANA on the evening of January 10) had shown the concentration of dozens of lifeless bodies in a large hall and the presence of families searching for and identifying them, an indication of the scale of casualties during the crackdown.

This overlap of evidence (unofficial videos, media reports, and ultimately limited reflection in state media), alongside other non-public documentation received by HRANA, is precisely what has led today to a “statistical surge” and has accelerated the process of case review for monitoring and human rights bodies.

The Government’s Official Narrative and the Intensification of Security Rhetoric

At the level of official positions, on the evening of Sunday, January 11, the Iranian government declared “three days of public mourning” and, without referencing the role of security forces, attributed the deaths of protesters and security personnel to “urban terrorist criminals,” even likening the violence to ISIS.

Additionally, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a televised interview, described protesters as “terrorists,” called for “decisive” action by security forces, and claimed that protesters were “taking orders” from the United States and Israel. This framing has emerged at the same time as numerous reports and images circulating on social media showing violence and direct gunfire against protesters.

In this context, reports have also been published indicating that the government is attempting to present an alternative narrative about how the victims were killed, including claims that a “significant portion” of those killed died from sharp weapons, or that shots were fired from a “very close distance” but not by security forces, claims which, when viewed alongside published images showing bullet wounds on some bodies, require closer scrutiny and independent verification.

Field Indicators: Limited but Concerning Reports

Despite the internet shutdown, some field reports from Tehran continue to be transmitted through alternative channels. Alongside emphasis on the continuation of protests in certain areas, these reports confirm that text messaging and other communication methods, even landline telephones, are completely cut off in many areas from 8:00 p.m. onward.

Today, videos were also received of protests in Tehran and Bandar Abbas, in which the sound of gunfire can clearly be heard.

International Reactions Over the Past 24 Hours

At the international level, a series of positions and consultations have been reported in response to the situation in Iran:

The UN fact-finding mission (operating under the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council) has called for the immediate restoration of internet access and an end to violent repression, and has expressed concern over orders for repression “without restraint” issued by the Supreme National Security Council.

Amnesty International, issuing an “urgent action,” has called for the submission of visual evidence and detailed information about victims, stating that the aim is to compile legal documentation to inform the international community about ongoing crimes against protesters.

The deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department reported that Marco Rubio held talks with his French counterpart regarding Iran, although details of the discussion have not been made public.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump is expected to meet with senior members of his administration to discuss “specific options” for responding to developments in Iran, including options such as additional sanctions, cyber measures, and consideration of providing Starlink access.

The UK Secretary of State for Transport described Iran as a “hostile and repressive state,” emphasizing the need to “contain violence” and highlighting the prospect of a “peaceful transition.”

Additionally, the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, and the European Union, in a joint statement, praised the “courage of the Iranian people” and declared their support for the protesters’ demands.

In Conclusion

The fifteenth day of protests passed amid ongoing internet shutdowns and widespread communication disruptions that have systematically limited the capacity for information dissemination and documentation. Nevertheless, the release of videos related to the Kahrizak Legal Medicine Organization and their subsequent reflection in a state television report marked a turning point and, in practice, accelerated the verification process and the completion of death case files. At the same time, the government’s declaration of public mourning and its attribution of violence to “terrorists,” alongside the president’s explicit labeling of protesters as “terrorists,” have revealed clear signs of an intensified security approach and efforts to manage the narrative. Internationally, pressure to restore internet access and halt repression, particularly from UN mechanisms and human rights organizations, as well as consultations and official positions by governments, have continued.

Day Fourteen of Protests: Ongoing Demonstrations, Internet Blackouts, and Drone Surveillance

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HRANA, Iranian nationwide protests, Shiraz, Zahedan

HRANA – Nationwide protests in Iran continued into their fourteenth day, Saturday, January 10, amid widespread internet shutdowns and severe communication disruptions, which have significantly limited the ability to disseminate information and independently verify events. Despite these restrictions on the flow of information, the number of confirmed fatalities has risen to 116 as of this date.

The fourteenth day of nationwide protests unfolded under continued extensive internet outages and severe communication restrictions, seriously disrupting news dissemination, information flow, and on-the-ground documentation. After the protests peaked on the twelfth day, when 96 cities across 27 provinces witnessed demonstrations, Iran’s connections to the outside world were largely cut off starting that same evening. While this situation sharply limited the spread of images and reports, it did not prevent the continuation of protests inside the country.

Under these circumstances, the decline in the number of cities reported in the days following the communication shutdowns is assessed as reflecting severe limitations on access to information rather than a subsiding of protests.

On the fourteenth day, limited reports and images emerged of continued gatherings in Tehran. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure. At the same time, reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control.

In Shiraz, despite the heavy security presence, reports indicate that protesting citizens have continued to appear in the streets. Information received suggests the formation of small, sporadic gatherings accompanied by protest chants, although the prevailing security conditions have severely limited the ability of these protests to continue or expand.

Zahedan was the third city where continued unrest on the fourteenth day could be confirmed. Reports indicate a noticeable intensification of the security atmosphere and the widespread deployment of military and security forces throughout the city. Nevertheless, information indicating the continuation of protests suggests that public discontent in the city remains unresolved.

On the same day, judicial and security authorities of the Islamic Republic once again emphasized a decisive crackdown on protesters. State-affiliated media also continued the shift in tone seen in recent days, describing protesters with labels such as “terrorists” or “armed elements.” This media approach, alongside the widespread internet shutdown, is assessed as part of the authorities’ efforts to control the official narrative of the protests and justify intensified repression.

Despite the internet blackout in Iran, a handful of media outlets affiliated with security forces have resumed operations using internet access. These outlets have continuously published images and reports of the protests, accusing demonstrators of severe violence and damage to citizens’ property and lives.

At the international level, developments in Iran on the fourteenth day of protests were met with official reactions from several governments and international bodies. The President of the United States stated in a message that Iran is “closer to freedom than ever” and that his country is “ready to help,” a position expressed in continuation of his earlier warnings about the consequences of suppressing protesters. In Europe, the President of the European Commission and other senior EU officials condemned the violent crackdown on protests and called for the release of detainees and the full restoration of internet access. The UK government adopted a similar stance, emphasizing the need to respect the right to peaceful protest.

Based on aggregated data up to the end of the fourteenth day, 574 protest locations have been identified in 185 cities across all 31 provinces of the country.

By the fourteenth day, despite severe limitations on documenting and verifying information, the human and security dimensions of the protests have remained significant. As of this date, the deaths of 116 individuals in connection with the protests have been confirmed; among them, seven were under the age of 18. Additionally, four of the deceased, including medical personnel, were not among the protesters. Examination of the causes of death shows that most victims were killed by live ammunition or pellet gunfire, predominantly from close range. In contrast, 37 of those killed were members of military or security forces, and one was a prosecutor.

Regarding arrests, the total number of detainees by the end of the fourteenth day reached 2,638. Of these, the identities of 628 individuals have been confirmed, while 2,010 were recorded as part of mass arrests or cases lacking specific identification. On the fourteenth day alone, the identities of 327 detainees were confirmed, a figure that, alongside the continued protests, underscores the persistence of security and judicial crackdowns against protesters.

IRGC Intelligence Announces Arrest of a Foreign National on Charges of “Espionage”

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HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence

HRANA – The Intelligence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the arrest of a foreign national over what it described as “gathering information for Israel.”

According to Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC Intelligence Organization claimed: “This foreign national had deliberately entered the country under cover, sent by the intelligence service of the Israeli regime. He was arrested by the IRGC Intelligence while collecting information and assessing the status of terrorist actions by his affiliates. Additionally, during inspections of his belongings and hideout, definitive documents proving his espionage were discovered.”

The statement did not provide further details, including the identity of the detainee, or the time and place of the arrest, or the location where the individual is being held.

Although countering espionage is not in itself considered a human rights violation, given the Iranian government’s record of instrumentalizing such accusations to target political opponents, such claims, especially when details and judicial procedures remain unclear, are consistently met with skepticism.

Day Thirteen of the Protests: Nighttime Demonstrations Continue Amid Internet Shutdown

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Esfarayen, HRANA, internet shutdown, nationwide protests, Netblocks, Nighttime Demonstrations

HRANA – Iran’s nationwide protests continued into their thirteenth day amid a widespread internet shutdown. According to HRANA reports, over the past 13 days at least 65 people have been killed, 2,311 individuals have been arrested, and protests have been recorded at 512 locations across 180 cities in 31 provinces. On this day, despite severe restrictions on the flow of information, reports indicated the continuation of nighttime gatherings, an intensification of security crackdowns, and an increase in judicial threats against protesters.

Nationwide protests continued on the thirteenth day, Friday, January 9, while a broad internet blackout severely limited the dissemination of news and the verification of events. Nevertheless, a collection of citizen reports and media coverage pointed to the continuation of nighttime protests in Tehran and several large and small cities. At the same time, security responses intensified, including reports of gunfire, the use of tear gas and pellet shotgun rounds, as well as explicit judicial threats against protesters. Some indications of disruptions to international flights or flight returns, along with official travel warnings issued by foreign governments regarding travel to Iran, were also reported.

Background and Drivers of the Protests

On the thirteenth day, the underlying drivers of the protests remained a combination of political and governance-related grievances and economic pressures. Field reports and published accounts particularly emphasized the following:

• Livelihood crisis and the collapse of the national currency’s value: Some accounts explicitly referred to economic hardship and difficulties in meeting daily needs. Within the protests themselves, the link between street demonstrations and livelihood-related grievances was especially prominent.

• Continuation of the nighttime protest pattern: Calls for nighttime presence and chanting (including from within neighborhoods and from rooftops) continued to be reflected in several cities as a lower-cost method of participation.

• Rising security and judicial costs of participation: Official threats of arrest, “identification at homes,” and the filing of serious judicial charges became more pronounced that same day as tools of deterrence and intimidation.

Geographic Scope and Focal Points of the Protests

Reports received from Tehran indicate that the protest pattern on the thirteenth day was neighborhood-based and dispersed, yet dense. The dominant pattern included “localized neighborhood gatherings and chanting,” “scattered reports of gunfire and a heavy security atmosphere,” and “symbolic actions (such as setting fire to banners and billboards).” Neighborhoods in Tehran that witnessed protests on the thirteenth day included Chitgar, Moshiriyeh, Punak, Ashrafi Esfahani, Qeytarieh, West Ferdows Boulevard, Tehranpars, Rahahan Town (Railway Town), and Moqaddas Ardabili Street.

In addition to Tehran, received reports also indicate protests in the cities of Mashhad, Tabriz, Shiraz, Abhar, Zahedan, and Karaj.

Based on reports compiled up to the thirteenth day of the protests, 512 locations nationwide across 180 cities in 31 provinces have witnessed demonstrations. Thirty-five universities have also taken part in these protests.

Distribution of Protests Day 13

Fatalities and Victims of the Protests

Although on the thirteenth day, due to communication shutdowns and the lack of independent access, it has not been possible to definitively establish an exact death toll, HRANA’s verified reports assess the total number of fatalities over the past 13 days as follows:

• Total deaths: 65
• Protesting citizens: 50
• Children and adolescents (under 18): 7 of the 50
• Law enforcement and security forces: 14
• Government-affiliated civilian: 1

Among the deceased, the provinces of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Ilam, Kermanshah, and Fars, with a combined total of 38 fatalities, rank highest in protest-related deaths.

At the same time, the head of the judiciary in North Khorasan announced that the prosecutor of Esfarayen, along with a number of law enforcement and security forces in the county, had been killed. According to the official account, the portable cabin where they were stationed was set on fire, and “rescue operations were not permitted.”

In addition to those killed, numerous reports have emerged of citizens being injured during street clashes and security operations. However, due to restricted access to field information and ongoing communication disruptions, the exact number of injured individuals is still being compiled.

Arrests and Escalation of Security Crackdowns

Arrest Trends

According to aggregated recorded data, by the end of the thirteenth day of the protests, at least 2,311 arrests have been confirmed or reported. Of these, 624 were individual arrests and 1,687 were mass arrests, indicating the predominance of large-scale, on-the-ground detention patterns during security operations.

The temporal distribution of arrests shows a significant surge from the seventh day onward. The highest number of daily arrests occurred on the tenth day of the protests, followed by the seventh and eighth days, a pattern consistent with the intensification of security presence and coinciding with the expansion of strikes and nighttime gatherings.

Among those detained, at least 167 children, adolescents, and school students, as well as 48 university students, have been recorded, reflecting the widening scope of crackdowns across different age groups and social sectors. In addition, 50 cases of forced confessions have been reported during the protest period, assessed as part of security and media pressure tactics.

Internet shutdowns in Iran have had a serious impact on the speed of verification, information gathering, and identification of detainees. As a result, only 34 newly detained individuals were identified by HRANA today, a sharp decline compared to previous days.

Judicial and Security Threats

Alongside the rise in arrests, official judicial and security positions were articulated in more explicit and forceful language. The Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor announced that individuals accused of “destruction and arson of public and private property” would be charged with moharebeh (enmity against God) and dealt with “decisively.” In explaining this stance, he referred to incidents from the previous night in Tehran, including the burning of an ambulance, a bus, and a mosque, emphasizing a policy of “zero tolerance.”

Within the same framework, the head of the judiciary warned that punishments for those labeled as “rioters” would be imposed to the maximum extent and without leniency, a position viewed as further increasing the cost of participation in protests.

In the communications sphere, the Ministry of Communications issued a statement saying that the internet shutdown was a decision made by competent security authorities, linking it to the “prevailing conditions.” This position was announced as numerous reports simultaneously documented a widespread nationwide internet blackout.

Alongside these official stances, reports also emerged indicating police and security warnings about identifying, warning, and arresting individuals who chant slogans inside their homes, a narrative suggesting that part of the security pressure has shifted from public streets to private and non-field spaces.

Universities and the Role of Students

Based on aggregated data, 35 universities have witnessed protest activity over the past twelve days, with 47 student gatherings recorded on university campuses. The temporal distribution shows that the peak of student protests occurred on the third, tenth, and eleventh days.

However, on the thirteenth day, no new university gatherings were reported, a development that may be attributed to the intensification of security pressure and control policies in higher education institutions.

Within this context, patterns of university control through postponements, shifts to online instruction, and physical restrictions became more pronounced. A notable example is the Khwarazmi University women’s dormitory (Hesarak campus in Karaj), which, according to reports, received orders for immediate evacuation. Student accounts attribute this action to university management’s concern over the spread of protests on campus.

Forms of Protest and Slogans

On the thirteenth day, protest tactics remained diverse and multi-layered. Street demonstrations and neighborhood-based protest presence, particularly at night, alongside strikes and market closures in several cities, constituted the most prominent forms of protest. This pattern indicates that demonstrations have not been confined to a single format and, under security pressure, have been reproduced in lower-cost and more decentralized forms.

At the field level, reports described neighborhood gatherings, continuous car horn honking, temporary road blockages, and symbolic actions.

At the same time, reports of tear gas use by security forces and, in some areas, the sound of gunfire were published, indicating the continued on-the-ground pressure exerted on protest gatherings.

Summonses and Security Pressure Beyond the Streets

Alongside street-level confrontations, data and reports from the thirteenth day indicate an expansion of security pressure beyond public spaces. Open threats regarding the identification and punishment of individuals chanting slogans inside their homes, an increase in reports of the arrest of activists, particularly in sensitive areas, and judicial warnings of harsh crackdown all point to efforts to contain the protests through social, psychological, and judicial control.

In the professional and commercial sphere, reports indicate that shopkeepers were contacted and pressured to reopen their businesses. At the same time, judicial cases were initiated against certain individuals and business units on charges of directly or indirectly supporting protest calls.

Internet Disruptions and Communication Restrictions

The communications blackout was one of the central features of the thirteenth day. Internet access was widely cut off from the previous evening, and according to technical data, national connectivity dropped to around one percent of normal levels, a situation described by internet-monitoring bodies as a violation of fundamental rights and a tool for concealing violence.

NetBlocks also confirmed the situation as a widespread internet shutdown.

In response, the Ministry of Communications stated that the decision to cut internet access was security-related and promised follow-up efforts to restore services. At the same time, reports emerged of severe disruption or complete loss of mobile phone signals in cities such as Karaj, Khorramabad, Nishapur, and Bijar, further restricting field coverage and the flow of information.

Reactions

1. Domestic Reactions (Governmental)

In response to the continuation of protests and the spread of strikes and nighttime gatherings, a series of official positions were issued by government officials, security institutions, and the judiciary. A common thread among many of these statements was the securitization of the protests and an emphasis on decisive action.

Ali Khamenei, warning against what he described as “destructive acts,” stated that the Islamic Republic would “not back down” in the face of such actions and stressed the need to confront them. This position is assessed as part of an effort to draw a formal distinction between “protest” and “destruction” and to legitimize security crackdowns.

On the diplomatic front, Abbas Araghchi downplayed the likelihood of any foreign military intervention in Iran’s developments, describing it as a “failed experience.” At the same time, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the support and statements of U.S. officials and some Western countries as “interventionist,” framing the protests as Iran’s internal affairs.

In the judicial–security domain, the judiciary and law enforcement bodies once again emphasized harsh, deterrent, and uncompromising measures against protesters. These stances were accompanied by announcements of case-building against certain individuals, as well as monitoring of cyberspace and professional and economic activities.

2. Domestic Reactions (Non-Governmental, Civil, and Social)

In contrast to the official narrative, a number of religious, civil, cultural, artistic, and sports figures reacted to the suppression of protests through messages and statements.

Molavi Abdolhamid described the protests as a “popular uprising for major change,” emphasized the right to peaceful protest, and called on demonstrators to avoid destruction and violence. At the same time, he urged security forces to stand with the people and refrain from repression.

In the cultural and artistic sphere, 184 Iranian filmmakers issued a joint statement condemning the suppression of protests and describing the shooting of unarmed people as a “crime against the right to life.” The House of Cinema also stated that, in the absence of effective channels for expressing dissent, people have “no path but the streets,” and described violence against protesters as illegitimate.

Among academic and social figures, statements and commentaries were published focusing on a governance crisis, the need for dialogue with the public, and the release of detainees. Some civil activists, pointing to the arrest of children, adolescents, and students, called for an end to security crackdowns on vulnerable groups.

In the fields of sports and performing arts, figures such as Voria Ghafouri and Alireza Faghani, along with others, expressed solidarity with protesters through messages or symbolic actions. Critical positions taken by some well-known figures were also met with reactions and attacks from media outlets close to the authorities.

3. Foreign and International Reactions

At the international level, the continuation of protests and reports of repression received widespread attention. The leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the killing of protesters and calling for restraint, respect for freedom of expression, and the right to assembly.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called for “independent, transparent, and impartial” investigations into the deaths and expressed concern over internet shutdowns and restrictions on access to information.

In Europe, the European Parliament president and a number of its members issued supportive messages emphasizing solidarity with protesters and the need to prevent repression. Some European officials also assessed the internet shutdown as an attempt to conceal violence.

Donald Trump also commented on several occasions about the possibility of a harsh response if protesters were killed, and claimed that some of the deaths were the result of crowd congestion.

Detainees

Individual Arrests with Confirmed Identities

  1. 1. Salam Aref Khanlari – Place of arrest: Darreh Shahr (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  2. 2. Bardia Darvishi – Place of arrest: Gilan-e Gharb (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  3. 3. Behnam Bolandbakht – Place of arrest: Gilan-e Gharb (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  4. 4. Vahid Shadman – Place of arrest: Qasr-e Shirin (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  5. 5. Ali Shah Shirmohammadpour – Place of arrest: Gilan-e Gharb (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  6. 6. Navid Najafi – Place of arrest: Gilan-e Gharb (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  7. 7. Armin Pirani – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  8. 8. Ali Ahmadi – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  9. 9. Behnam Fathi – Place of arrest: Yasuj (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  10. 10. Rahmat Rashidi – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  11. 11. Behrouz Sheikhi – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  12. 12. Ashkan Sabzi – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  13. 13. Arman Karami – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  14. 14. Aref Mirzaei – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  15. 15. Amirhossein Khan-Mohammadi – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  16. 16. Mostafa Saffar – Place of arrest: Abdanan (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  17. 17. Saeed Abolhasani – Place of arrest: Nishapur (Razavi Khorasan Province) – Place of detention: Nishapur Prison – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  18. 18. Ehsan Ahmadi – Place of arrest: Dehloran (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  19. 19. Hossein Karami – Place of arrest: Dehloran (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  20. 20. Mohammad Moradi – Place of arrest: Dehloran (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  21. 21. Ahmad Khosravi – Place of arrest: Dehloran (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  22. 22. Ahmadi Zeini – Place of arrest: Dehloran (Ilam Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

Mass Arrests or Arrests Without Identity Confirmation

  1. 1. Seven citizens – Place of arrest: Lorestan Province – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: State Broadcasting (IRIB)

  2. 2. Four citizens – Place of arrest: Hamedan (Hamedan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Young Journalists Club – Notable point: Forced confessions

  3. 3. One citizen – Place of arrest: Hamedan (Hamedan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Young Journalists Club – Notable point: Under 18 years old; forced confessions

In Conclusion

  1. 1. Protests on the thirteenth day simultaneously displayed three prominent characteristics: neighborhood-based dispersion (particularly in Tehran) and high levels of violence in certain areas (such as Fardis and Zahedan).

  2. 2. The internet shutdown, as a central tool of control and concealment, effectively disrupted verification and access to information, while at the same time limited circulation of some videos continued through alternative channels.

  3. 3. The judicial and security apparatus, by emphasizing serious charges along with arrests and identification efforts, sought to raise the cost of participation; nevertheless, signs of continued social mobilization (from the streets to the marketplaces) remained visible.

  4. 4. Alongside domestic developments, international pressure and reactions, ranging from European statements to calls for UN investigations, intensified, further highlighting Iran as a crisis of human security and governance.

 

Five Individuals Arrested in Dehloran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmad Khosravi, Ahmadi Zeini, Dehloran, Ehsan Ahmadi, Hossein Karami, HRANA, Mohammad Moradi

HRANA – Ehsan Ahmadi, Hossein Karami, Mohammad Moradi, Ahmad Khosravi, and Ahmadi Zeini, residents of Dehloran, were arrested yesterday and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to to Kurdpa, five citizens were arrested in Dehloran. The identities of those detained have been reported as Ehsan Ahmadi, Hossein Karami, Mohammad Moradi, Ahmad Khosravi, and Ahmadi Zeini.

Based on the report, the arrests took place last night by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant, during raids on their homes and with the use of violence.

The report further states that these individuals, who are nurses, were arrested for providing medical treatment to injured protesters.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges against these citizens or their place of detention.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and after two days expanded beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests have become among the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the twelfth day of the protests, published last night.