Tag: January 2026 Protests

Ardabil Prison: Identities of 54 Citizens Arrested During the January 2026 Protests Confirmed

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News, Prisoners
Abbas Kowsari, Ahmad Seifi, Ahoura Jafarzadeh, Ali Ahmadi, Alireza Hosseini, Amir Mohammad Zadehkhak, Amir Reza Sharifi, Amirhossein Baghermaleki, Amirhossein Habibi, ardabil prison, Behzad Majedi, Farid Hamzehzadeh, Farshad Soltani, Hossein Nemati, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Masoud Norouzi, Mehdi Shirani, Mehram Azarm, Mehran Abbasi, Milad Ashkani, Milad Sabri, Peyman Dorvalizadeh, Sina Farzaneh-Vash, Teymour Ghaznavi, Yavar Farahmand, زندان اردبیل

HRANA – At least 54 individuals arrested during the nationwide January 2026 protests are currently being held in the security ward of Ardabil Prison. HRANA has confirmed the identities of all 54 detainees. Of them, 25 have collectively been sentenced to 49 years and three months in prison, while the remaining 29 continue to be held in judicial limbo. The following report examines their identities and the latest developments in their cases.

According to HRANA News Agency, HRANA has confirmed the identities of 54 individuals arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests in Ardabil Province.

HRANA’s findings show that, of the 54 identified detainees, 25 have been tried by judicial authorities in Ardabil and collectively sentenced to 49 years and three months’ imprisonment.

Below are the names of these 25 individuals, along with the latest available information on the status of their legal cases:

1. Ahmad Seifi
He was arrested by security forces during the nationwide protests. He was subsequently sentenced by a judicial authority to five years and three months’ imprisonment on political charges.

2. Peyman Dorvalizadeh
He was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment.

3. Peyman Dorvalizadeh
Following his arrest and the opening of a judicial case against him, Reza Nabidoost was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to one year and six months’ imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

4. Yashar Soufi
Yashar Soufi was arrested by security forces during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

5. Teymour Ghaznavi
Teymour Ghaznavi was arrested in connection with the nationwide protests in January 2026. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment, and he is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

6. Ali Ahmadi
Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, Ali Ahmadi was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment. He is currently being held in Ardabil Prison.

7. Mehdi Shirani
Mehdi Shirani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. After being tried in Ardabil, he was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.

8. Amir Mohammad Zadehkhak
Amir Mohammad Zadehkhak was arrested by security forces in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment.

9. Alireza Hosseini
Alireza Hosseini was among those arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

10. Amir Reza Sharifi
Amir Reza Sharifi was also arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests, after which a judicial case was opened against him. He was ultimately sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to one year and six months’ imprisonment.

11. Yavar Farahmand
Yavar Farahmand was arrested by security forces during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following the issuance of a verdict by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

12. Abbas Kowsari
Abbas Kowsari was also arrested in connection with last year’s nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to three years and six months’ imprisonment.

13. Mehram Azarm
Mehram Azarm was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

14. Masoud Norouzi
Masoud Norouzi was arrested by security forces in connection with the January 2026 protests. Following a ruling by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

15. Sina Farzaneh-Vash
Like the other individuals on this list, Sina Farzaneh-Vash was arrested during the nationwide protests and, following trial proceedings in Ardabil, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

16. Amirhossein Baghermaleki
Amirhossein Baghermaleki was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to one year and six months’ imprisonment, and he is currently being held in Ardabil Prison.

17. Milad Ashkani
Milad Ashkani was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

18. Amirhossein Habibi
Following his arrest, Amirhossein Habibi was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to two years’ imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

19. Farshad Soltani
Farshad Soltani was among those arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests. Following the opening of a judicial case and subsequent proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

20. Hossein Nemati
Hossein Nemati was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to six months’ imprisonment and is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

21. Ahoura Jafarzadeh
Ahoura Jafarzadeh was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

22. Farid Hamzehzadeh
Farid Hamzehzadeh was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment.

23. Milad Sabri
Milad Sabri was arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. Following a ruling by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and remains incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

24. Behzad Majedi
Behzad Majedi was arrested by security forces during last year’s nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

25. Mehran Abbasi
Mehran Abbasi was arrested in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests and was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to six months’ imprisonment.

Meanwhile, 29 other individuals arrested in connection with the protests remain in detention without having appeared before a court to face the charges against them.

According to HRANA, the identities of these detainees have been confirmed as:

Farhad Jafari, Reza Javid, Mohammad Reza Asari, Armin Nadiri, Arian Hamidi, Sina Hassanzadeh, Ali Besharati, Mohammad Jalilolghadr, Faramarz Neshat, Keyvan Baram, Faramarz Taghizadeh, Heshmat Rasouli, Avaz Rastgouyan, Mohammad Reza Agah, Reza Mirzazadeh, Mehrdad Zoodfekr, Mahyar Pour Ebrahim, Ali Abdollahvand, Mohammad Gholizadeh, Mir Mohammad Mohammadi, Mohammad Rahbari, Mohsen Najafi, Ali Nobakht, Meysam Abdollahi, Bahman Zohri, Omid Ganjeh, Alireza Karimi, Ahmad Khodaei, and Meysam Alizadeh.

All of them remain in judicial limbo, having been held without any court hearing on the charges against them. In addition, a number of these detainees have been denied the right to telephone calls and family visits. Their families have also faced numerous uncertainties and significant restrictions imposed by the relevant authorities while attempting to obtain information about their cases or seek their temporary release.

According to information received by HRANA, approximately 800 citizens were arrested across Ardabil Province during the January 2026 protests. Of these, around 500 were released within the first ten days after their arrest, while nearly 250 others were later released on bail. As a result, at least 54 individuals arrested during the protests remain detained in the security ward of Ardabil Prison.

A source familiar with the proceedings, who spoke to HRANA on condition of anonymity for security reasons, stated: “Jalal Afaghi, the Prosecutor of Ardabil, has objected to the sentences handed down to 10 of those convicted, considering the punishments too lenient, and has asked the Supreme Court to impose harsher sentences.”

HRANA had previously reported on the arrest of a number of citizens in Ardabil in connection with the January 2026 protests, as well as the publication of videos described as “confessions” by some of the detainees. It remains unclear under what circumstances those videos were recorded.

HRANA’s efforts to obtain additional information regarding this case, including the specific charges brought against the detainees, the judicial proceedings, and the authorities responsible for issuing the sentences, are ongoing.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Twenty-Six Individuals Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests

HRANA – Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has announced the arrest of 21 individuals in Kerman Province on charges of collaborating with Israel’s intelligence service. The ministry also reported that five other citizens were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests and referred to the judicial authorities.

According to HRANA, citing Fars News Agency, at least 26 individuals have been arrested by security agents.

The Ministry of Intelligence stated that 21 individuals were identified and arrested during operations carried out by the ministry in Kerman Province.

According to the ministry’s claims, the detainees had collected information concerning sensitive and classified military and air defense facilities and transmitted it to Israel’s intelligence service.

The identities of those arrested, as well as the exact time and location of their arrests and their current legal status, have not been disclosed.

The Ministry of Intelligence also announced the arrest of five citizens in connection with the January 2026 protests, claiming that four firearms were seized from them. According to the ministry, the individuals were referred to the judicial authorities following their arrests.

The report does not provide further details regarding the identities of the detainees or where they are being held. No information is available concerning the status of their cases, their access to legal counsel, or the judicial proceedings against them.

While efforts to counter espionage are not, in themselves, considered human rights violations, such allegations are frequently met with skepticism given the Iranian government’s record of using espionage-related accusations as a tool to target political opponents, particularly when details of the allegations and the judicial process remain undisclosed.

January 2026 Protests: Five-Year Prison Sentence of Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi Upheld

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, امیرمحمد احمدی

HRANA – The conviction of Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi, a 19-year-old political prisoner and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, who is currently imprisoned in Greater Tehran Penitentiary, has been upheld by the Tehran Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced by Judge Iman Afshari to five years in prison, along with supplementary punishments.

According to HRANA, Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been sentenced to imprisonment and supplementary punishments.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals has upheld Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi’s conviction in its entirety. The 19-year-old had previously been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to five years in prison. In addition, he was sentenced to two years of travel ban and two years of deprivation of social services as supplementary punishments.

Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi, 19, was arrested by security forces on January 2, 2026, during the nationwide protests. He is currently being held in Greater Tehran Penitentiary.

HRANA’s investigation into the details of the current case, including the charges brought against this prisoner, is ongoing.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

January 2026 Protests: Mehdi Roshani Sentenced to Death in Ilam

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Ilam, January 2026 Protests, Malekshahi, Mehdi Roshani, moharebeh, Sikan Roshani, Tehran, مهدی روشنی

HRANA – Mehdi (Sikan) Roshani, a resident of Malekshahi and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to death by the Ilam Revolutionary Court on the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh). In this case, he is accused of killing a law enforcement officer.

According to HRANA, Mehdi (Sikan) Roshani has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Roshani, who was arrested during the January protests, was sentenced to death by a branch of the Ilam Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Feyzi, on the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh). Accused of killing a member of the Law Enforcement Command, he was transferred to Tehran for a period of interrogation before ultimately being returned to Ilam, where he is currently being held in the city’s prison.

An informed source told HRANA: “After his arrest, Sikan was transferred to Tehran and was subjected to severe beatings throughout his detention, during his transfer, and while under interrogation.”

The death sentence was formally communicated to Mr. Roshani approximately one month ago. Through his lawyer, his family has appealed the ruling.

Mr. Roshani, also known as Sikan Roshani, is a resident of Malekshahi County in Ilam Province.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

January 2026 Protests: Abolfazl and Saman Eskandarian Sentenced to Prison, Flogging, and Fine

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolfazl Eskandarian, Bojnord, Bojnurd, January 2026 Protests, Saman Eskandarian, ابوالفضل اسکندریان, بجنورد, سامان اسکندریان

HRANA – Abolfazl Eskandarian and Saman Eskandarian, who were arrested during the January 2026 protests, have each been sentenced by the Revolutionary and Criminal Courts of Bojnurd to two years and one day of imprisonment, 74 lashes, and a fine of 22 million tomans.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, Abolfazl Eskandarian and Saman Eskandarian have been sentenced to imprisonment, flogging, and a monetary fine.

According to the report, in a joint case before the Bojnurd Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Izanlou, Abolfazl and Saman Eskandarian were each sentenced to two years and one day of imprisonment on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” In a separate part of their case, the Bojnurd Criminal Court sentenced the two cousins to 74 lashes and a fine of 22 million tomans each on charges of “disrupting public order and peace” and “disobeying law enforcement officers while they were carrying out their duties.”

The rulings issued by the two courts were communicated to them verbally in late-July 2026.

Abolfazl Eskandarian, 23, and Saman Eskandarian, 19, both residents of Bojnurd, were arrested at their homes by security forces on January 4, 2026, during the nationwide protests, without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

The two were later transferred to Bojnurd Prison and, after approximately one month in detention, were released on bail on February 3, 2026. During their detention, they were denied access to legal counsel and family visits.

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January 2026 Protests: Mahmoud Shaddel Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ashkhaneh, January 2026 Protests, Mahmoud Shaddel, محمود شاددل

HRANA – Mahmoud Shaddel, a resident of Ashkhaneh who was arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to three years of discretionary imprisonment by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, Mahmoud Shaddel has been sentenced to prison.

According to the report, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Bojnord sentenced Mr. Shaddel to three years of discretionary imprisonment on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion against national security.”

The verdict was communicated to him verbally on July 11, 2026.

Mr. Shaddel was arrested by security forces in January 2026 during the nationwide protests that month. After two weeks in detention, he was released on bail. During his arrest, security forces also opened fire on his vehicle.

Ashkhaneh is a county in North Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran.

January 2026 Protests: 17-Year-Old Benjamin Vahidi Arrested to Serve Prison Sentence

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Children, Freedom of Expression, News
Benjamin Vahidi, Bojnurd, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, بنیامین وحیدی

HRANA – Benjamin Vahidi, a 17-year-old resident of Bojnurd, was arrested to begin serving his prison sentence. He had previously been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison and a paying a fine in connection with the January 2026 protests.

According to HRANA, Benjamin Vahidi has been arrested to serve his sentence.

A source familiar with the teenager’s family confirmed the arrest to HRANA, stating that in late July, several officers entered the family’s home at around 9:00 p.m. and arrested him after physically assaulting him. Following his arrest, he was initially transferred to Police Station No. 11 in Bojnurd. His current place of detention remains unknown.

The source added that the family was informed Benjamin would be denied phone calls and visitation rights until the monetary fine is paid.

Benjamin Vahidi had previously been convicted by a judicial authority in Bojnurd in connection with the protests on charges including “disrupting public order and peace,” “damaging public property,” and “clashing with law enforcement officers.” He was sentenced to two years of discretionary imprisonment and ordered to pay a 100 million toman fine. The sentence was issued in absentia, without Mr. Vahidi’s presence in court and without access to legal counsel. His family has also been informed that the verdict is final.

Benjamin Vahidi, 17, is an athlete specializing in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA).

Background on the January 2026 Protests

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

January 2026 Protests: 19-Year-Old Mehdi Khosravi Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mehdi Khosravi, Sabzevar, مهدی خسروی

HRANA – Mehdi Khosravi, a resident of Sabzevar who was arrested during the January 2026 protests in Karaj, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Iranian judiciary.

According to HRANA, Mehdi Khosravi has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Khosravi was sentenced to a total of five years in prison on charges of “disrupting public order and peace and damaging public property.”

A source familiar with the case, confirming the report, told HRANA: “Mehdi was denied access to a lawyer, and the verdict was communicated to him orally.”

Mr. Khosravi was arrested by security forces in Karaj on January 2, 2026, during the nationwide protests. He was later released from prison on April 21, 2026, after posting bail.

Mehdi Khosravi is 19 years old, originally from Sabzevar, and currently resides in Karaj.

HRANA’s inquiries into the judicial authority that issued the sentence are ongoing.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

January 2026 Protests: Saeed Mohammadyari Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Saeed Mohammadyari, سعید محمدیاری

HRANA – Saeed Mohammadyari, a resident of Kuhdasht and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad to eight years in prison and two years of internal exile.

According to HRANA, Saeed Mohammadyari has been sentenced to imprisonment and internal exile.

According to the ruling issued by the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad, he was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison and two years of internal exile to the city of Khoy on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.”

A source familiar with the case confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “The verdict was formally served on Mr. Mohammadyari today.”

Saeed Mohammadyari, 36, was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests and was later released on bail. He works as a farmer in Kuhdasht.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

January 2026 Protests: Mahnam Navab Safavi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mahnam Navab Safavi, moharebeh, مهنام نواب صفوی

HRANA – Mehnam Navab Safavi, arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 who is currently imprisoned in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, was sentenced to death by Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on the charge of moharebeh (“enmity against God”).

According to HRANA, Mahnam Navab Safavi, one of the detainees from the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information obtained by HRANA, Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan, presided over by Judge Hemati-Nejad, sentenced Mr. Navab Safavi to death on charges including moharebeh through alleged involvement in “the destruction of public property,” “propaganda against the regime,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “encouraging people to commit murder.”

A source informed and close to the family of this citizen confirmed the news in a conversation with HRANA, stating that one of the alleged acts cited against Mr. Navab Safavi was writing slogans.

Mahnam Navab Safavi, 22, is a Persian-language rapper and a resident of Isfahan. He was arrested on January 10, 2026, during the nationwide protests in the Sheikh Sadough area of Isfahan and was later transferred to Dastgerd Prison in this city.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.