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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Security Atmosphere Prevailing in Cities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated Statistics (Cumulative)

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

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 633 cases

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

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

• Confirmed fatalities: 5,002 individuals

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

• Fatalities under investigation: 9,787 individuals

• Seriously injured: 7,391 individuals

• Total arrests: 26,852 individuals

• Broadcasts of forced confessions: 192 cases

International Reactions on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

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

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

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

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

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

Government Responses on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

Execution of 14 Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.