iran protests Archives - Page 2 of 10

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest aggregated data on the 32nd day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed fatalities has reached 6,373. Of these, 5,993 were protesters, 113 were children under the age of 18, 214 were forces affiliated with the government, and 53 were non-protesters/civilians. The number of deaths currently under review has been reported as 17,091.
The total number of arrests has reached 42,486. The number of severely injured individuals stands at 11,018, the number of broadcast forced confessions has been reported as 270 cases, and 11,027 people have been summoned to security institutions. Additionally, a total of 658 protest-related incidents have been recorded across 202 cities in 31 provinces.

Current developments focus on the continuation of communication control policies, including the limited restoration of internet access, the ongoing wave of arrests, and post-crackdown pressures marked by the imposition of heavy bail requirements on detainees, alongside international reactions and emerging positions on designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

Continued Communication Restrictions; Limited Internet Restoration

On the 32nd day since the start of the protests, restrictions and security control over communications remain in place. After nearly three weeks of internet shutdown or severe disruption, data and field accounts now suggest that international internet access has been partially restored for some users. However, access patterns have not returned to “normal,” and many users continue to face heavy filtering, intermittent outages, and selective access. This situation has effectively led to the formation of a “tiered access” system, in which certain services are available only to specific groups or through limited pathways, while the majority of users experience persistent restrictions.

The economic and social consequences of these communication disruptions have also been reported. Online business operators have described a significant drop in sales and the paralysis of order processing, payment, and distribution cycles, particularly for businesses that rely primarily on social media platforms, online payment gateways, and direct customer communication. Alongside economic damage, communication shutdowns have also heightened security risks for the injured and their families. Restrictions on contact and access to information have made it more difficult to track the status of detainees, coordinate aid efforts, and even seek medical care, while further expanding an atmosphere of fear of surveillance and arrest.

International Reaction; France’s Support for Designating the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization and the Position of the European Parliament President

International reactions to the protests on this day focused on Europe’s political stance toward the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its role in the crackdown on the protests.

On one side, French officials have explicitly spoken of Paris’s support for placing the IRGC on the European Union’s list of terrorist organizations, while simultaneously emphasizing the use of sanctions tools, including travel bans and asset freezes, against those responsible for the repression. This stance has been accompanied by demands such as a halt to executions, an end to digital restrictions, and the facilitation of international fact-finding mechanisms.

On the other side, the President of the European Parliament has also adopted a clear position, describing the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization as a “historic duty” for Europe, framing it within the context of international accountability for the repression and killing of protesters. At the same time, some reports have pointed to claims of a broad consensus among EU member states on this issue. Taken together, these positions indicate that the debate over accountability and international pressure mechanisms remains at the center of attention.

Continued Arrests and Repression: Lack of Information on Detainees and Heavy Bail Requirements

Despite the end of the street phase of the protests, data from Day 32 indicate that the cycle of arrests and case-building continues, often accompanied by lack of information about detainees’ whereabouts, transfers to security detention facilities, and pressure on families. Aggregated reports from multiple cities point to group arrests of citizens, ranging from multi-defendant cases in Tehran, Qaen, and Mashhad to larger lists of detainees in various other cities. Alongside these accounts, official and semi-official reports have also referred to the arrest of dozens of individuals in several provinces and cities in connection with the nationwide protests. The practical outcome of this trend is the maintenance of a repressive, police-state atmosphere: arrests continue to be used as a tool of social control and to prevent the resurgence of protests, even after public gatherings have subsided.

Some individuals are also targeted for repression due to the performance of their professional and occupational duties. As an exmaple, reports have emerged of the arrest of a physician in Isfahan on charges related to assisting injured protesters. At the same time, narratives have surfaced regarding the risks faced by injured individuals when seeking hospital care, a situation that can disrupt treatment processes and extend fear of prosecution into the healthcare sphere. There have also been reports of arrests and summonses within the cultural community (including filmmakers), as well as increased security pressure inside prisons, indicating efforts to silence prominent social figures and suppress voices expressing solidarity and alignment with the protests.

Alongside arrests, heavy bail requirements have become one of the main pressure points on detainees’ families. Reports indicate a sharp increase in bail amounts, in some cases reaching unusually high levels by nonstandard criteria. Families face not only severe financial strain but also bureaucratic obstacles and exhausting procedures to post bail. This policy effectively serves two simultaneous functions: on the one hand, it renders temporary release impossible for many detainees; on the other, it draws families into a cycle of economic and psychological distress. Under such conditions, even when bail is formally granted, the practical possibility of release is not necessarily ensured, as posting bail, converting deeds, or having guarantees accepted is often met with multiple layers of restriction and delay.

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics Through the End of Day 32 of the Protests

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 658

• Number of cities involved (no duplicates): 202

• Number of provinces involved (no duplicates): 31

• Total arrests: 42,486

• Arrests of individuals under 18: 326

• Arrested students: 70

• Broadcast forced confessions: 270 cases

• Summonses to security institutions: 11,027 cases

• Severely injured individuals: 11,018

• Confirmed fatalities: 6,373

▪️ Protesters: 5,993
▪️ Children (under 18): 113
▪️ Government-affiliated forces: 214
▪️ Non-protesters/civilians: 53

• Fatalities under review: 17,091

Summary

The 32nd day since the start of the protests concluded with widespread communication controls still in place, despite a limited restoration of internet access, and with their economic and social impacts continuing. At the same time, arrests and security pressures have entered a post-crackdown phase, while heavy bail requirements have become an effective tool for wearing down families and restricting the possibility of temporary release for detainees.On the international front, new positions adopted by Europe and France regarding the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and the need for accountability indicate that the issue of repression and demands for international responsibility remain active, and increasingly intensified, at the diplomatic and media levels.

Thirty-First Day Since the Start of the Protests; Continued Internet Blackout, First Court Hearing Held

Posted on January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

Ali Fakher, Ameneh Soleimani, Arak, Babak Pouramin, HRANA, iran protests, Malard, Netblocks

HRANA – According to the latest aggregated data compiled by HRANA as of the end of the thirty-first day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,221. Of these, 5,858 were protesters, 100 were children under the age of 18, 214 were forces affiliated with the government, and 49 were non-protester civilians. The number of deaths still under investigation has been reported as 17,091. The total number of arrests has reached 42,324. The number of severely injured individuals stands at 11,017, and 261 cases of forced confessions being broadcast have been recorded. Additionally, 11,026 people have been summoned to security institutions. The total number of recorded protest-related incidents is 656 across 201 cities in 31 provinces.

The main developments on the thirty-first day since the start of the protests included the continued policy of controlling communications and cracking down on alternative access tools, the continuation of both scattered and mass arrests, the holding of the first court hearing related to the protests in Malard, as well as pressure and threats against medical staff.

Continued Internet Disruptions and Shutdowns; Economic Losses and Security Crackdown on Starlink

Following the aftermath of the protests, the “digital blackout” and severe restrictions on internet access continue to be reported as one of the main axes of controlling and managing the public sphere. NetBlocks data indicate the continuation of a restricted, “whitelist-based” situation; such that even in cases where some networks have become “globally visible,” this does not mean a return to normal internet access, and public connectivity remains blocked or highly unstable. Within this framework, reports have emerged of entering the nineteenth day of a “complete internet shutdown,” alongside the formation of quota-based access mechanisms for certain groups. Among these, holders of commercial cards have reportedly been granted only limited and short-term access (approximately 20 minutes per day) at chambers of commerce and under supervision, a situation that effectively transforms the internet from a public service into a security-administrative privilege.

At the same time, the economic costs of this situation have been highlighted in official statements. According to remarks by the Minister of Communications, the internet shutdown has caused daily losses of hundreds of billions of tomans to the digital economy and several trillion tomans to the national economy. These figures, together with field reports of supply chain disruptions, stalled transactions, and reduced access to basic services, highlight the economic consequences of the communications shutdown policy.

In this regard, the Iranian Writers’ Association issued a statement referring to killings, widespread arrests, and overcrowded prisons, condemning the ongoing crackdown.

Security measures targeting alternative means of internet access have also intensified. Reports indicate the discovery and confiscation of dozens of Starlink devices, explicitly described as “anti-security goods,” demonstrating that information control is not limited to cutting off official networks and that alternative communication routes have also become targets of security policies.

Arrests and Crackdowns; First Court Hearing Related to the Protests in Malard

Aggregated reports from the days following the nationwide protests indicate that the wave of arrests and security crackdowns has continued across various cities, remaining scattered yet widespread. In some cases, the arrest of citizens has been reported in areas such as Zahedan, Torbat-e Jam, and Sabzevar, while in others, arrests have been documented in Gorgan, Dehgolan, Javanrud, Babol, and Lahijan. This geographic spread, alongside the large number of cases, points to the continuation of a pattern of “post-event cleansing” (arrests carried out after street protests subside) aimed at controlling social networks and local environments.

On a broader scale, reports have emerged of the arrest of 224 citizens, the majority of whom were detained in Qazvin. According to these reports, 219 individuals were arrested under the label of “leaders of the protests,” with additional cases reported in Qarchak and Shahroud. Alongside the arrests, there is also evidence of the detention of injured protesters, including reports indicating that some individuals were arrested while their medical treatment had not yet been completed, a pattern of conduct that violates the most fundamental human rights, including the right to medical care.

The holding of the “first court hearing related to the January protests” in Malard is regarded as the starting point of a broad series of trials. In this case, the subject of the court session was announced as the death of a FARJA (Law Enforcement Command) officer, and images from the hearing were also published. Mohammad Abbasi has been introduced as the primary defendant in the case. The conduct of the trial, including statements by the court-appointed lawyer made against the interests of the defendant, has prompted criticism from human rights organizations over the lack of fair trial standards. This case also involves another defendant.

Use of Schools as Suppression Bases; Expanded Security Presence in Public Spaces

Reports also shed light on the tools and spaces used for urban control. Among them is the publication of an image of a school in Arak (Imam Ali School), which is said to have been used as a base for suppressing protesters. The use of educational spaces for the deployment of forces and operational management, in addition to its direct impact on citizens’ safety, has secondary consequences such as fostering social fear, disrupting educational environments, and normalizing a security presence within public institutions.

Alongside these developments, field reports also point to restrictions on mourning practices and pressure on the families of those killed, including preventing the installation of banners and the holding of memorial ceremonies, as well as the removal or destruction of signs of mourning in public spaces. Taken together, these data indicate that the crackdown has not been limited to controlling the streets, but has extended to controlling narratives, collective memory, and even mourning rituals.

Crackdown on Medical Staff and the Arrest of Doctors; Securitizing Healthcare and Humanitarian Aid

Reports indicate that medical staff, particularly doctors and those who treated individuals injured during the protests, have been subjected to pressure and security crackdowns. In one case, Farhad Nadali, a physician at 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan, was reportedly arrested by IRGC Intelligence for treating individuals injured in the protests and for opposing the deployment of armed forces inside the hospital. It has also been alleged that armed forces fired at protesters from the hospital rooftop, an allegation which, if confirmed, would point to the transformation of medical centers into components of the suppression apparatus.

In another case, the arrest of Babak Pouramin (an emergency medicine specialist) in Neyshabur was reported. He was reportedly arrested on January 19 and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has had only limited contact with his family, and has been denied access to legal counsel. The same report also states that some doctors have been threatened with accusations such as “helping injured individuals escape from the hospital.”

Additionally, reports point to the arrest of Dr. Ameneh Soleimani in Ardabil and Ali Fakher, a retired nurse in Sirjan, for providing aid to injured protesters; the detention of members of Mr. Fakher’s family has also been mentioned. Taken together, these cases point to a troubling pattern: the securitization of healthcare, the criminalization of humanitarian assistance, and pressure on medical networks as a means of reducing support capacity for the injured and controlling the human consequences of the protests.

Official Statements; Protest-Related Damages in Gilan and the Government Spokesperson’s Position

Official authorities have attempted to focus attention on the damages caused by the protests. Among these, the estimated damages from the “recent incidents” in Gilan Province were announced to exceed 3 trillion tomans, with references to damage and fires affecting parts of Rasht’s bazaar. At the same time, the government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, referred to “collective mourning” and the state’s responsibility toward those affected, while also stressing a distinction between “legitimate protesters” and “deviant currents.” Such formulaic statements have repeatedly been used by state institutions to justify their conduct in suppressing protesters.

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

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 656
• Number of cities involved (no duplication): 201
• Number of provinces involved (no duplication): 31
• Total arrests: 42,324
• Broadcasts of forced confessions: 261 cases
• Summonses to security institutions: 11,026 cases
• Severely injured individuals: 11,017
• Confirmed deaths: 6,221

▪️ Protesters: 5,858
▪️ Children (under 18): 100
▪️ Government-affiliated forces: 214
▪️ Non-protesters / civilians: 49

• Deaths under investigation: 17,091

Summary

The thirty-first day since the start of the protests passed amid the continued policy of controlling communications and cracking down on alternative access tools. At the same time, reports pointed to scattered yet widespread arrests, as well as pressure on the injured and their families. The first protest-related court hearing in Malard marks the consolidation of a judicial approach aimed at imposing severe penalties on protesters, drawing warnings from human rights groups regarding fair trial guarantees. Additionally, pressure on medical staff, the arrest of doctors and aid workers, and reports of public spaces such as schools being used as bases for suppression highlight new dimensions of the continued security crackdown in the aftermath of the protests.

Day Thirty of the Protests: From Internet Disruptions to the Pursuit of the Injured

Posted on January 26, 2026January 26, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

Artin Ghazanfari, Hamed Araghi, HRANA, internet shutdown, iran protests, Netblocks

HRANA – According to the latest aggregated data compiled by HRANA, on the thirtieth day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,126. Of these, 5,777 were protesters, 86 were children under the age of 18, 214 were forces affiliated with the government, and 49 were non-protesters or civilians. The number of deaths still under investigation stands at 17,091.
The total number of arrests has reached 41,880, the number of severely injured individuals 11,009, and 245 cases of forced confessions broadcast have been reported. The number of individuals summoned by security institutions is 11,024. Overall, 651 protest-related incidents have been recorded across 200 cities in 31 provinces.

On the thirtieth day of the protests, the continuation of communication control policies, the ongoing wave of arrests, and growing concerns over the safety of medical centers for the injured have been among the most significant developments. In addition, government pressure on journalists and the transfer of injured protesters from hospitals to detention facilities persisted, prompting international reactions.

Ongoing Internet Disruptions and Shutdowns: Pressure on Information Flow and Economic Impact

On the thirtieth day of the protests, widespread internet disruptions and shutdowns have remained one of the government’s main tools for restricting the flow of information and reducing protesters’ ability to organize. NetBlocks has reported that the internet shutdown has entered its eighteenth day, while restrictions on circumvention tools have simultaneously intensified. This situation has effectively caused serious disruption to citizens’ access to information, communication with family members, online services, and independent media. In this context, Iran’s Minister of Communications, referring to the economic consequences, stated that the cost of the internet shutdown amounts to “five trillion tomans per day” (approximately 35 million dollars). Beyond its impact on online businesses, this figure reflects direct repercussions for household livelihoods and small and medium-sized economic activities.

At the same time, Sazandegi newspaper, in an analytical report, described the nationwide internet shutdown as a sign of policy failure and a crisis in communications governance. It emphasized that broad blockage not only prevents the transmission of news and images about the protest situation, but also leads to declining public trust, heightened uncertainty, and deepening economic damage.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Journalists has issued statements in response to the security forces’ crackdown on journalists and media activists, reporting the arrest of two photojournalists: Hamed Araghi, arrested in Tehran, and Artin Ghazanfari, arrested in Mashhad following a search of his home and the seizure of his equipment. This stance, alongside the ongoing internet shutdown, presents a clear picture of the government’s systematic efforts to control the public narrative: cutting communications to limit the spread of news, while simultaneously arresting and pressuring journalists and photographers to restrict content production and on-the-ground documentation. Taken together, developments on the thirtieth day of the protests show that information control remains one of the central pillars of the repression policy, extending beyond “filtering” to “complete blockage,” “increased social and economic costs,” and the “securitization of media activity.”

Escalation of Mass Arrests and Intensified Security Measures

In recent days, reports indicate widespread arrests across various cities. Alongside scattered detentions of citizens in multiple locations, news has emerged of the arrest of more than 300 citizens in Semnan Province, as well as the detention of at least 54 citizens in cities including Yazd, Zanjan, and Malard. On an individual level, cases such as the arrest of a poet and writer in Tehran and the arrest of a Bahá’í citizen in Mashhad (followed by transfer to Vakilabad Prison) reflect the wide range of individuals targeted by security measures.

Security measures have not been limited to arrests alone, with labor activists, religious minorities, and athletes also facing pressure, alongside efforts to control the flow of information. Reports also point to the ongoing broadcast of “forced confessions” as part of an intimidation strategy and the state’s narrative-building around the protests, while some arrests have been accompanied by families being kept uninformed of detainees’ whereabouts. Taken together, these developments indicate that on the thirtieth day of the protests, security agencies continue to pursue an approach centered on mass arrests, intimidation, and control of the narrative.

Updated (Cumulative) Statistics as of the End of the Thirtieth Day of the Protests

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 651

• Number of cities (no repetition): 200

• Number of provinces (no repetition): 31

• Total arrests: 41,880

• Arrested students: 62

• Broadcast of forced confessions: 245

• Summoned to intelligence/security agencies: 11,024

• Severely injured individuals: 11,009

• Confirmed fatalities: 6,126

▪️ Protesters: 5,777
▪️ Children (under 18): 86
▪️ Forces affiliated with the government: 214
▪️ Non-protesters/civilians: 49

• Fatalities under investigation: 17,091

Concerns Over Seeking Medical Care and Reports of the Pursuit and Arrest of the Injured

One of the key developments in recent days has been the growing number of reports about injured individuals fearing visits to medical centers, as well as reports of wounded protesters being pursued and arrested in hospitals. Iran’s Ministry of Health has implicitly acknowledged the existence of such concerns and, while emphasizing that seeking treatment at medical facilities “poses no concern,” has urged the injured to refrain from treating themselves at home. In this context, it has been stated that approximately 3,000 injured individuals have sought medical care at treatment centers in recent days.

At the same time, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran has expressed serious concern over numerous reports of the “abduction of injured individuals from hospitals” and their transfer to detention facilities, describing these actions as a clear violation of the right to access medical treatment. According to published accounts, security forces identify individuals wounded in connection with the protests and remove them from hospitals for arrest. This practice not only discourages the injured from seeking medical care, but also increases the risk of aggravated injuries and higher mortality due to lack of treatment. In addition, reports have emerged of pressure on medical staff, including threats or arrests of doctors and nurses who have treated the injured. In response, more than 4,000 physicians have signed a statement condemning security forces’ crackdown with medical personnel. These conditions indicate that in recent days, the “medical space” itself has become securitized, and free and safe access to healthcare is facing serious threats.

Domestic Positions, Denials, and Official Narratives

The hardline, pro-regime newspaper Kayhan has strongly opposed proposals for the “pardon or release of detainees,” effectively rejecting any form of retreat in the face of the protests. This stance can be interpreted as an effort by the government’s hardline factions to prevent the emergence of fractures within the ruling establishment and to preserve a security-driven, repressive policy. By emphasizing harsh measures against protesters, Kayhan effectively calls on the government to continue arrests, threats, and control of the public sphere rather than pursuing de-escalation.

On the other hand, Tehran Province Prisons Organization has denied reports regarding the detention of injured protesters in Fashafuyeh Prison and their lack of access to medical services. These official denials come despite numerous reports of families being kept uninformed, concerns over detainees’ health conditions, and difficulties in accessing medical care. Given past experiences with officials’ statements, as well as media and human rights reports, these denials have been met with serious doubt, particularly as simultaneous United Nations reports emphasize the abduction of injured individuals from hospitals and their transfer to detention facilities.

Alongside these developments, some local and security officials have also sought to present a more acceptable narrative of the deadly crackdown by citing casualty figures from both sides of the conflict. For example, the commander of the IRGC in Lorestan Province reported that 334 people were injured during protests in the province and also cited the deaths of two IRGC members and three Basij forces. This type of narrative-building is typically aimed at highlighting casualties among government forces and creating justification for intensified repression. Reports of widespread arrests in certain provinces (including Semnan) have also been published, indicating the continued reliance on a security-based approach to managing the protests.

Overall, the government’s domestic positions on the thirtieth day of the protests can be summarized as follows: denying or rejecting reports of human rights violations against protesters in prisons and medical centers; emphasizing threats and harsh measures through outlets such as Kayhan; presenting security-driven narratives of the protests by commanders and officials; and maintaining arrests and pressure as primary tools of social control. These positions indicate that the government continues to frame the situation as a national security crisis, with no signs of reduced violence or a move toward accountability.

In Conclusion

The thirtieth day of the nationwide protests passed amid the continued shutdown and disruption of internet access as a constant element of the policy to control narratives. At the same time, widespread arrests, an increase in summonses, and the ongoing broadcast of forced confessions were reported. Concurrently, concerns over the safety of medical centers for the injured and reports of the pursuit and arrest of wounded individuals have generated new human rights concerns regarding the right to access medical care. Domestically, some media outlets and official bodies have emphasized the continuation of a hardline approach, while reports on the condition of detainees and the injured have been met with official denials. Collectively, these developments indicate that on the thirtieth day as well, repression and communication control continued, the cumulative figures indicate that the social consequences of this crackdown are becoming increasingly widespread.

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

Posted on January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

Abdollah Rezaei, HRANA, iran protests, January Protests

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

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

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

Escalation of Arrests and Targeted Repression

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Civil and International Reactions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

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

Posted on January 23, 2026January 23, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arrests, Summonses, Forced Confessions, and Fabricated Charges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated Statistics (Cumulative)

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

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 640

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

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

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

• Deaths under investigation: 12,904

• Severely injured: 7,402

• Total arrests: 27,797

• Arrests of individuals under 18: 175

• Arrested students: 54

• Broadcasts of forced confessions: 200 cases

Summary of the Twenty-Seventh Day

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

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

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

Posted on January 23, 2026January 23, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

HRANA, iran protests, January Crackdown, Payam Akhavan, UN Human Rights Council

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

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

Special Rapporteur: Iranian authorities’ language justifies violence

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

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

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

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

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

Positions of countries: from explicit condemnation to calls against politicization

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

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

Response of the Islamic Republic of Iran

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

Final resolution: condemnation, demands, and extension of mandates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on January 22, 2026January 22, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

HRA, HRANA, iran protests, Iran protests 2026, irgc, Netblocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Security Atmosphere Prevailing in Cities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated Statistics (Cumulative)

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

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 633 cases

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

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

• Confirmed fatalities: 5,002 individuals

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

• Fatalities under investigation: 9,787 individuals

• Seriously injured: 7,391 individuals

• Total arrests: 26,852 individuals

• Broadcasts of forced confessions: 192 cases

International Reactions on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

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

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

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

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

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

Government Responses on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

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

Posted on January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

death toll, HRANA, iran protests

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

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

Disruption of Communications: “Indefinite Time” as Official Policy

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

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

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

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

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

Discrepancies Between Officials’ Claims and Figures Derived from Independent Reports

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

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

International Reactions: Continued Condemnations and Escalating Political Pressure

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

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

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

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

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

Updated Statistics (Aggregated)

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

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 633

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

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

• Confirmed deaths: 4,902

Protesters: 4,622

Children (under 18): 40

Government/affiliated forces (military and civilian): 201

Non-protesters/civilians: 39

• Deaths under investigation: 9,387

• Seriously injured: 7,389

• Total arrests: 26,541

• Broadcast forced confessions: 181 cases

Summary

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

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

Posted on January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

Hammihan, HRANA, internet shutdown, iran protests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heightened Security Atmosphere: Widespread Presence of Forces and Mass Arrests

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

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

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

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

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

International Reactions: Escalating Political and Diplomatic Pressure

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

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

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

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

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

Evidence Pointing to the Military’s Role in the Crackdown

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

Government Responses: Emphasis on a Security and Judicial Approach

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

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

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

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

Updated Statistics

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

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 629

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

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

• Confirmed deaths: 4,519

Protesters: 4,251

Children (under 18): 33

Government/affiliated forces (military and civilian): 197

Non-protesters/civilians: 38

• Deaths under investigation: 9,049

• Seriously injured: 5,811

• Total arrests: 26,314

• Broadcast forced confessions: 167 cases

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

Summary

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

192 Protesters Arrested by Ministry of Intelligence in Razavi Khorasan Province

Posted on January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

iran protests, Razavi Khorasan

HRANA – The General Directorate of Intelligence of Razavi Khorasan announced that it has arrested 192 citizens in the province in connection with the protests.

In a statement, the General Directorate of Intelligence of Razavi Khorasan claimed that these citizens were involved in the killing of six law enforcement–security forces in the province during the protests.

The statement also listed “setting fire to mosques, public and service facilities, buses, and attacking military and law enforcement centers” as additional charges brought against the detainees.

It further claimed that firearms and cold weapons were discovered in the possession of these citizens.

The report did not provide any information regarding the identities of the detainees or their place of detention.

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 bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests turned into one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the twenty-second day of the protests, published last night.

Continued Communication Restrictions; Limited Internet Restoration

International Reaction; France’s Support for Designating the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization and the Position of the European Parliament President

Continued Arrests and Repression: Lack of Information on Detainees and Heavy Bail Requirements

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics Through the End of Day 32 of the Protests

Summary

Continued Internet Disruptions and Shutdowns; Economic Losses and Security Crackdown on Starlink

Arrests and Crackdowns; First Court Hearing Related to the Protests in Malard

Use of Schools as Suppression Bases; Expanded Security Presence in Public Spaces

Crackdown on Medical Staff and the Arrest of Doctors; Securitizing Healthcare and Humanitarian Aid

Official Statements; Protest-Related Damages in Gilan and the Government Spokesperson’s Position

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

Summary

Ongoing Internet Disruptions and Shutdowns: Pressure on Information Flow and Economic Impact

Escalation of Mass Arrests and Intensified Security Measures

Updated (Cumulative) Statistics as of the End of the Thirtieth Day of the Protests

Concerns Over Seeking Medical Care and Reports of the Pursuit and Arrest of the Injured

Domestic Positions, Denials, and Official Narratives

In Conclusion

Escalation of Arrests and Targeted Repression

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

Civil and International Reactions

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

Summary

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

Arrests, Summonses, Forced Confessions, and Fabricated Charges

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

Updated Statistics (Cumulative) Based on aggregated data recorded through the end of the twenty-seventh day of protests:

Summary of the Twenty-Seventh Day

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

The Security Atmosphere Prevailing in Cities

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

International Reactions on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

Government Responses on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

Summary

Disruption of Communications: “Indefinite Time” as Official Policy

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

Discrepancies Between Officials’ Claims and Figures Derived from Independent Reports

International Reactions: Continued Condemnations and Escalating Political Pressure

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

Updated Statistics (Aggregated)

Summary

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

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

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

Heightened Security Atmosphere: Widespread Presence of Forces and Mass Arrests

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

International Reactions: Escalating Political and Diplomatic Pressure

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

Evidence Pointing to the Military’s Role in the Crackdown

Government Responses: Emphasis on a Security and Judicial Approach

Updated Statistics

Summary

HRANA – The General Directorate of Intelligence of Razavi Khorasan announced that it has arrested 192 citizens in the province in connection with the protests.

Updated Statistics (Cumulative)

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