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Report on the Arrest of More Than 200 Citizens in Zahedan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Haal Vsh, HRANA’s, Zahedan

HRANA – Over the past two days, more than 200 citizens, including several women and children, have been violently arrested by security forces in the city of Zahedan.

The identities of 11 of those arrested have been reported by Haal Vsh as: Omar Rakhshani, approximately 17 years old; Abdulmajid Kharkoohi, approximately 21; Mahmoud Narouei, approximately 25; Ali Gorgij, approximately 15; Hanzaleh Barahoui; Amrollah Narouei, approximately 18; Behnam Mohammadi; Iraj Soltani; Abdulkhalegh Samalzahi; Sanaollah Hassanzahi; and Mohammadgol Ghanbarzahi. These protesters—including women, men, children, and students—were violently arrested and beaten by security forces.

According to the report, citing informed sources and detainees, about 40 people were held in each cell. Security forces threatened detainees with death while verbally abusing and beating them. Officers reportedly said that most of those arrested were women, who were also subjected to beatings. Families of the detainees, worried and holding photos and personal details of their children, gathered in front of security and judicial institutions seeking information about their loved ones’ condition, but no one responded to them.

This report does not provide further details, including the identities of other detainees or their current condition.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and after two days spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With students, citizens, and various social groups joining, these protests have become among the most widespread in recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fourteenth day of the protests, published last night.

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

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Iranian nationwide protests, Shiraz, Zahedan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News, Other
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence

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

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

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

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

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

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Freedom of Expression, News
Esfarayen, HRANA, internet shutdown, nationwide protests, Netblocks, Nighttime Demonstrations

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

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

Background and Drivers of the Protests

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

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

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

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

Geographic Scope and Focal Points of the Protests

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

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

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

Distribution of Protests Day 13

Fatalities and Victims of the Protests

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

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

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

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

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

Arrests and Escalation of Security Crackdowns

Arrest Trends

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

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

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

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

Judicial and Security Threats

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

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

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

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

Universities and the Role of Students

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

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

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

Forms of Protest and Slogans

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

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

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

Summonses and Security Pressure Beyond the Streets

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

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

Internet Disruptions and Communication Restrictions

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

NetBlocks also confirmed the situation as a widespread internet shutdown.

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

Reactions

1. Domestic Reactions (Governmental)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Foreign and International Reactions

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

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

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

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

Detainees

Individual Arrests with Confirmed Identities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mass Arrests or Arrests Without Identity Confirmation

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

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

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

In Conclusion

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

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

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

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

 

Five Individuals Arrested in Dehloran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Eight Citizens Arrested During Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdanan, Amirhossein Khan Mohammadi, Aref Mirzaei, Arman Karami, Ashkan Sabzi, Behnam Fatehi, Behrouz Sheikhi, Mostafa Saffar, Rahmat Rashidi, Sanandaj

HRANA – During the 2026 protests, Behnam Fatehi, a resident of Sanandaj, and seven residents of Abdanan identified as Rahmat Rashidi, Behrouz Sheikhi, Ashkan Sabzi, Arman Karami, Aref Mirzaei, Amirhossein Khan Mohammadi, and Mostafa Saffar were arrested by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant and transferred to undisclosed locations.

HRANA has confirmed the identity of this citizen as Behnam Fatehi, a mechanic from Sanandaj, who was arrested yesterday by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence.

Additionally, Kurdpa News Agency reported the arrest of seven citizens, Rahmat Rashidi, Behrouz Sheikhi (29 years old), Ashkan Sabzi, Arman Karami, Aref Mirzaei, Amirhossein Khan Mohammadi, and Mostafa Saffar, in Abdanan County.

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

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

Arrest of Seven Citizens, Including Two Azerbaijani-Turk Activists, by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdolnaser Baluch-Qader, Khodamorad Albarznejad, Marivan, Mehrestan, Milad Mardani, Omid Ravand, Qasr-e Qand, Rahman Azarmi Rad, Reza Pahlavani, Sahneh County, Shahram Talebinejad

HRANA – In recent days, Rahman Azarmi Rad and Shahram Talebinejad, two Azerbaijani-Turk activists, were arrested in Tabriz. In addition, Abdolnaser Baluch-Qader was arrested in Qasr-e Qand, Khodamorad Albarznejad in Mehrestan, Omid Ravand in Marivan, Reza Pahlavani in Divandarreh by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence, and Milad Mardani in Sahneh County, all by security forces.

The arrest of Rahman Azarmi Rad took place at his home on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while Shahram Talebinejad was arrested on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Laleh Square in the city of Tabriz, by security forces. According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Azarmi Rad informed his family during a brief phone call that he had been transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Tabriz. However, no information has so far been obtained regarding the whereabouts of Shahram Talebinejad.

The Haal Vsh website also reported the arrest of two citizens on Monday, January 5, 2026. Accordingly, Abdolnaser Baluch-Qader, 22 years old, son of Azim, a resident of Karchan village in Qasr-e Qand, was arrested in that county. Additionally, Khodamorad Albarznejad (Abdolzehi), son of Mousa, a resident of Mehrestan, was arrested in that city and transferred to Zahedan Prison.

Separately, according to Kurdpa, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Omid Ravand, an athlete from Marivan, was violently arrested by security forces at Sarbaaz Square in the city and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Also, according to Kolbar News, on Sunday, a citizen named Reza Pahlavani from Divandarreh was arrested in the city. Mr. Pahlavani was detained by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence without the presentation of a judicial warrant and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to Kurdpa, a citizen from Sahneh, a county in Kermanshah Province, identified as Milad Mardani, was arrested by security forces on Saturday, January 3, 2026, without the presentation of a judicial warrant. No information is available regarding his fate or place of detention.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for the arrests or the charges brought against these citizens.

Among those arrested, Rahman Azarmi Rad has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Identity Confirmed for 9 Citizens Arrested During Nationwide Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdanan, Darreh Shahr, Gilan-e Gharb, Qasr-e Shirin

HRANA – In recent days, nine citizens identified as Dolaram Kazemi, Vahid Shadman, Bardia Darvishi, Ali Shah Shirmohammadpour, Salam Aref Khanlari, Navid Najafi, Behnam Bolandbakht, Armin Pirani, and Ali Ahmadi were arrested by security forces in the cities of Gilan-e Gharb, Qasr-e Shirin, Darreh Shahr, and Abdanan.

According to Kurdpa, the arrests took place between January 6 and January 8, 2026.

Based on the report:

  • On January 6, Dolaram Kazemi was arrested in Gilan-e Gharb, and Salam Aref Khanlari in Darreh Shahr.

  • On January 7, Bardia Darvishi and Behnam Bolandbakht were arrested in Gilan-e Gharb.

  • On January 8, Vahid Shadman was arrested in Qasr-e Shirin; Ali Shah Shirmohammadpour and Navid Najafi in Gilan-e Gharb; and Armin Pirani and Ali Ahmadi in Abdanan.

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

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

A Report on the Twelfth Day of Nationwide Protests in Iran: Widespread Strikes, Internet Shutdown, and Surge in Arrests

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Children, Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Iran, nationwide protests

HRANA – Nationwide protests in Iran continued on their twelfth day, Thursday, January 8, 2026, according to reports collected by HRANA. Demonstrations and protest actions were recorded in at least 46 cities across 21 provinces. At the same time, a wave of strikes and market closures was reported, particularly in Kurdish regions, with dozens of cities in Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, and Ilam provinces joining the strikes.

On the twelfth day of the nationwide protests, at least 60 additional arrests were recorded. This brings the total number of detainees over the past 12 days to more than 2,277 individuals. Among those arrested, at least 166 were under the age of 18 and 48 were university students. During the same period, 45 cases of forced confessions were broadcast by state media.

Alongside these developments, reports indicated a nationwide internet shutdown on the twelfth night of protests, as well as targeted disruptions to infrastructure, including a sharp drop in IPv6 connectivity. These measures led to widespread disruptions in mobile internet access, internet-based calls, and the functioning of circumvention tools. The death toll from the past 12 days of protests has reached 42 people, including five minors under 18 and eight security personnel or officers.

Background of the Protests

The current protests began on December 28, 2025, amid accumulated social and economic grievances, and gradually expanded from trade- and market-based demands to street protests, later spreading into university spaces. Continued economic pressure, declining purchasing power, and a sense that public demands are being ignored, alongside a deep lack of trust in official accountability mechanisms, have been described as the main drivers behind this wave of unrest.

In the following days, the pattern of protests shifted from scattered gatherings to a network of demonstrations, nighttime chants, and market strikes. By the twelfth day, widespread strikes and shop closures, alongside street protests, had emerged as one of the most prominent features. At the same time, the increased presence of security forces and intensified crackdowns, including mass arrests, the airing of forced confessions, and restrictions on communications (internet shutdowns or signal disruptions), have pushed much of the situation into an environment marked by information disruption and competing narratives.

In parallel, reported slogans indicate that demands have not remained confined to economic issues. In many locations, they have evolved into political protests and structural criticism. Within this context, the twelfth day of protests can be seen as a continuation of a phase in which the street, the bazaar, and civil actions have operated simultaneously and in a complementary manner, while the government has sought to contain both the scope of the protests and their public reflection through a combination of on-the-ground control, judicial and security pressure, and communication restrictions.

Nationwide protests Day 12

Geographic Scope and Key Focal Points of the Protests

Reports collected from various sources indicate that on the twelfth day of the protests, demonstrations and protest activities continued in at least 46 cities across 21 provinces.

In Tehran, numerous locations were reported as sites of street presence and scattered gatherings by protesters. These included Aryashahr and Sadeghieh, Narmak, Valiasr, Keshavarz Boulevard, Yousef Abad, Azadi Street (Eskandari intersection), Tehranpars, Nazi Abad, Sattarkhan, Haft-Hoz, Gheytariyeh, Vanak, Punak (from Esfahani Square to Marzdaran), Kashani Boulevard, Taleghani Square, and Shahrak-e Azadi. In addition, reports were published of nighttime chanting from inside homes in the Heravi area, as well as neighborhood-based protests in Saadat Abad and Jannat Abad. Some reports also referred to street gatherings in Islamshahr.

Furthermore, HRANA received reports of shop closures and strikes in the Tehran Grand Bazaar and central districts of the city, coinciding with the concentration of security forces around Sabzeh Meydan, Amir Kabir Street, and along the metro route from 15 Khordad Station to the Naser Khosrow–Sabzeh Meydan intersection.

In a number of cities, reports were published of internet or electricity disruptions, as well as the sound of gunfire being heard.

According to the compilation of reports received by HRANA, gatherings and protests on the twelfth day took place in cities including Sanandaj, Kermanshah, Marivan, Kamyaran, Ravansar, Sarpol-e Zahab, Saqqez, Mahabad, Paveh, Hamedan, Bukan, Isfahan, Bijar, Dehgolan, Piranshahr, Eslamabad-e Gharb, Ardabil, Ilam, Takab, Sarableh, Sarvabad, Qorveh, Lumar, Pir Bakran, Borujerd, Kerman, Kalachay, Shiraz, Abadan, Astaneh Ashrafieh, Tehran, Gachsaran, Behbahan, Tabriz, Islamshahr, Mashhad, Karaj, Babol, Dezful, Shahin Shahr, Gorgan, Ahvaz, Rasht, Damghan, Iranshahr, and Robat Karim.

Fatalities and Victims of the Protests

According to updated data, by the end of the twelfth day of the protests, at least 42 people had lost their lives. This figure includes:

• 29 protesting civilians
• 8 security–military forces
• 5 children and adolescents (under 18 years old)

The presence of children among those killed has once again highlighted serious concerns regarding how security forces are confronting the protests and whether the principle of proportionality in the use of force is being observed.

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

Universities and the Role of Students

Based on aggregated data, 34 universities have so far been involved in the protests, with a total of 46 gatherings held on university campuses. Nevertheless, no reports of demonstrations at universities were received today.

In terms of security responses, collected data indicate that over the past 12 days, at least 48 students have been arrested. Alongside this broader trend, notable developments in the university sphere today include the following:

• Amirkabir University of Technology: It was reported that end-of-term exams have been postponed for one week, citing the “current special circumstances.”
• Ministry of Health: An official source claimed that “only one medical sciences student” has been arrested, and that this arrest occurred “outside the university environment.”
• University of Tehran: The university’s Student Council reported the arrest of Parsa Ghobakhloo, an undergraduate student of electrical engineering, by security forces, stating that his whereabouts are unknown and that the detaining authority has not been identified.

Forms of Protest and Slogans

On the twelfth day of protests, forms of protest action remained diverse. Street gatherings and visible protest presence in urban centers, alongside strikes and market closures in a number of cities, were among the most prominent expressions of dissent. The continuation of this pattern,particularly during nighttime hours and under conditions where internet disruptions or outages and power blackouts were reported in some areas, indicates that the protests have not been confined to a single fixed form, but continue to reproduce themselves through varied methods.

At the ground level, reports point to a combination of scattered and decentralized actions, including neighborhood-based protests, temporary blockages of certain routes and disruptions to traffic, as well as the use of symbolic and low-cost methods to express dissent. At the same time, in several cities, security forces were reported to have used tools such as tear gas to disperse gatherings, and in some areas, the sound of gunfire further intensified the security pressure surrounding the protests.

In terms of content, the slogans and messages raised can largely be categorized into two main themes: some reflect livelihood-related grievances and economic pressures, while others relate to structural and political criticism of governance, the lack of accountability of official institutions, opposition to state repression and violence, and demands for regime change. This simultaneity suggests that, in the minds of protesters, the economic crisis and the crisis of governance are understood as two interconnected aspects of the same underlying problem.

Arrests and Intensified Security Crackdowns

According to collected data, at least 60 additional arrests were reported or confirmed today. As a result, the total number of detainees over the past 12 days has risen to more than 2,277 people. However, due to limited access to field information and incomplete reporting from some areas, the actual number of arrests is likely significantly higher. During the same period, it has also been reported that 45 cases of forced confessions by detainees have been broadcast. Among those arrested, at least 48 are students and 166 are under the age of 18.

Alongside the increase in arrests, signs of escalated on-the-ground repression have been reported in several cities. Reports from Kermanshah indicate the violent arrest of protesters by plainclothes agents. In Behbahan and Ardabil, witnesses have also reported gunfire by security forces.

In addition to street-level crackdowns, a number of official and governmental actions and positions point to an expansion of security and judicial repression. Among these, security bodies in Azna (Lorestan Province) claimed to have arrested an “organized network,” attributing it to monarchist groups, and alleged that the network was involved in the “recruitment of young women” and the “distribution of Lion and Sun flags and promotional materials.” In Tehran, the judiciary announced the opening of cases against “certain individuals” as well as “brands and shops” on charges of direct or indirect support for protest calls. At the same time, reports cited an order by the Tehran prosecutor to monitor cyberspace and identify individuals or cases deemed to be in violation.

At the field level, reports have emerged of widespread use of tear gas, including in Shahin Villa (Karaj), Ghaemshahr, Khorramabad, and Maragheh, as well as gunfire in several cities. These include aerial gunfire in Bijar, reports of repeated gunshots in Khorramabad, and heavy gunfire in Behbahan. In Gohardasht, Karaj, severe communication disruptions and signal outages were also reported simultaneously with clashes.

Summonses and Security Pressure Beyond the Streets

Alongside street-level repression, reports from the twelfth day indicate an expansion of security and surveillance pressures beyond public demonstrations. These pressures range from media threats and psychological operations to judicial tools, phone calls, text messages, and informal summonses. Their stated aim has been described as controlling narratives, preventing the continuation of protests, and monitoring professional, labor, and media circles.

Within this framework, Tasnim News Agency (close to security institutions) published a threatening video attributed to the FARAJA Intelligence Organization, claiming that “individuals chanting slogans from inside their homes” had been identified, warned, and would be arrested “if necessary.” In a statement attributed to the same body, it was emphasized that “all activities are under intelligence surveillance” and that action against chanting from homes would continue.

At the same time, in the economic and trade sphere, reports indicate that The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility contacted some shopkeepers and threatened them to reopen their businesses.

In the realm of judicial pressure and digital surveillance, the opening of cases against certain individuals and brands or shops in Tehran has been cited as another example of repression outside the streets, an approach linked to monitoring cyberspace and efforts to curb direct or indirect support for protest calls.

Regarding narrative control and restrictions on content production, it has been reported that some protesters, civil activists, and journalists have been threatened or informally summoned through anonymous phone calls and text messages, warning them against taking positions or producing content related to the protests.

At the international level, in relation to the domestic media environment, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the actions of security institutions in summoning and threatening journalists. The organization stated that following remarks by Ali Khamenei regarding repression, journalists were contacted and summoned to security bodies, including the IRGC.

Internet Disruptions and Communication Restrictions

On the twelfth night of the protests, it was reported that the internet was shut down nationwide, a situation that NetBlocks also confirmed as a widespread internet outage. In follow-up reports, NetBlocks warned that Tehran and several other cities were entering a state of “digital blackout,” and also reported a complete internet shutdown in Kermanshah Province. Within this framework, it was reported that on Thursday, January 8, disruptions, severe slowdowns, and repeated outages continued in a large number of cities.

At the same time, published technical data indicate a pattern of targeted disruption of IPv6. According to reports, Filterban announced that a significant portion of IPv6 connections went offline around 15:19 Tehran time, with the timing pattern suggesting a coordinated action. In the same vein, Cloudflare Radar reported that the volume of IPv6 addresses dropped by approximately 98.5%, and the share of IPv6 traffic fell from around 12% to about 1.8%. It was further emphasized that disruption of this protocol can directly affect mobile internet, modern browsers, applications, internet-based calls, and even the functioning of a significant number of VPNs and circumvention tools. According to these reports, some VPNs either failed to connect or effectively stopped working.

At the field level, and based on specific reports received for January 8, communication restrictions were reported in several cities as follows:

• Bijar (Imam Boulevard): Intermittent internet connectivity.
• Khorramabad: Reports of internet shutdown and inability to send videos.
• Neyshabur: Reports of a complete internet shutdown, with only text messages being sent with great difficulty.
• Karaj (Gohardasht): Initially a complete internet shutdown in the early evening hours; later, mobile phone signal was cut to the extent that calls and SMS stopped working, with reports indicating that only landline phones remained usable.
• Amol: In addition to communication disruptions, reports of power outages on main streets were raised, which as an environmental restriction further complicated communication and field coverage.

Strikes and Labor Protests

On the twelfth day of protests, alongside street demonstrations, an unprecedented expansion of strikes and market closures was reported. This pattern took shape from the early days, beginning with the protests on December 28 and reports of gatherings or protests by some shopkeepers in the Tehran Grand Bazaar, and then rapidly spread to numerous cities. On this day, strikes in many areas took the form of shop closures, market shutdowns, and merchants joining street protests.

Kurdish Regions and Kurdistan

Reports indicate widespread strikes in Kurdish- and Lur-inhabited areas, with dozens of cities across four provinces, Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, and Ilam, joining the strikes. At the city level, strikes by shopkeepers were reported in cities such as Sanandaj, Bukan, Kamyaran, Dehgolan, Saqqez, Qorveh, Paveh, Sarvabad, Ravansar, Eslamabad-e Gharb, Sarpol-e Zahab, and Kerend-e Gharb.

Tehran and the Bazaar Axis

In Tehran, reports point to the continued closure and stagnation of several markets and commercial centers, alongside the heavy deployment of security forces in parts of the city’s central and commercial districts. Some reports identified routes and locations such as Sabzeh Meydan, Amir Kabir Street, and the entrance of the 15 Khordad metro station up to the Naser Khosrow–Sabzeh Meydan intersection as focal points of security presence—conditions that, according to sources, could affect citizens’ movement and the normal functioning of the markets.

Cities and Markets Reported on Strike (Selected Examples)

In addition to Kurdish regions and Tehran, strikes and shop closures of varying scope were also reported in a range of other cities, including Arak, Hamedan, Khorramabad, Abyek (Qazvin), Borujerd, Qazvin, Isfahan, Ardabil, Bandar Abbas, Bandar Deylam (Bushehr), Shiraz, Khomeini Shahr, Karaj, Shahreza, Nurabad-e Mamasani, Kazerun, Tabriz, Urmia, and Zanjan.

International Reactions

As the protests continued, a number of international officials and figures responded to developments in Iran. Donald Trump warned on several occasions that if the Iranian government “starts killing people like it did in the past,” it would face a “severe blow,” and he emphasized the “value of freedom” in his remarks. Additionally, quoting a White House official (Wednesday, January 7), it was stated that the U.S. president had explicitly said that if the Iranian government shoots peaceful protesters or severely beats them, it will face a “severe blow,” describing this as a “promise.”

In the same context, J.D. Vance stated that “we stand with anyone who peacefully protests for their rights.” The House Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives (majority) also warned that if Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters, “justice will be swiftly served.”

The U.S. Department of State (including its Persian-language account) issued a travel advisory stating that Iran remains at Level 4 – Do Not Travel, urging U.S. citizens to “under no circumstances” travel to Iran. The advisory cited risks such as terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and wrongful detention. It has also been reported that Australia has urged its citizens to leave Iran.

In Europe, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, expressed solidarity with protesters and, referring to reports of “30 killed,” emphasized that threats, prison, and tear gas cannot suppress the desire for freedom. Hannah Neumann (Chair of the European Parliament’s Iran delegation) also stated that people have returned to the streets and may face bullets, but for many, “silence is more dangerous,” stressing the need to “shine a light” on events in Iran.

Meanwhile, Canada’s foreign minister expressed support for the right to protest and voiced concern over repression and violent crackdowns. Germany’s foreign minister (Johann Wadephul) condemned the “excessive use of violence against protesters” and emphasized the right to peaceful protest and Iran’s obligation to uphold its international commitments.

Domestic (Governmental) Reactions

In response to the continuation of protests, a range of official and media positions were released at the level of the government, security–judicial institutions, and media close to the authorities. A significant portion of these responses focused on securitizing the protests and attributing them to foreign interference.

At the diplomatic level, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the support and positions of senior U.S. officials as “interventionist and deceptive,” claiming that the United States is pursuing a range of tools including psychological warfare, media operations, the spread of disinformation, threats, and incitement to violence. In the same framework, Abbas Araghchi emphasized that “Iran’s internal issues concern no one but the Iranian people,” framing the protests as “domestic affairs.” Along these lines, some official statements sought to portray the protests as purely economic demands, while simultaneously attributing part of the problems to U.S. sanctions.

In the media and propaganda sphere, the newspaper Kayhan, using labels such as “Mossad and ISIS agents,” attempted to portray protesters as a security threat, while also speaking of “harsh” judicial and security crackdown as the path forward. The repeated official dichotomy of “protest” versus “riot” was also highlighted in various statements as a red line in government discourse.

At the parliamentary and security-institution level, reports emerged of a closed-door parliamentary session attended by the government and security/law enforcement bodies, during which it was said that “statistics, charts, and provincial maps” of the protest situation were presented. In the narratives of some lawmakers, concepts such as “hybrid warfare” and “behind-the-scenes enemy planning” were emphasized, and it was claimed that the government had been “tasked with engaging in dialogue with the people and calming them.” It was also reported that one MP (Mohammad Bayat) claimed that “the use of weapons has occurred only in cases where the country was harmed”, a claim described as being in contradiction with field accounts and human rights reports, particularly regarding gunfire.

In statements by the government and the judiciary, Masoud Pezeshkian called on security forces to refrain from “targeting protesters,” while the government spokesperson used emotional language to describe the pain of “every drop of blood being spilled.” The head of the judiciary, addressing merchants’ strikes, described them as “defenders of the system” and sought to avoid framing strikes or discontent as opposition to the authorities. At the same time, in certain judicial-security measures, emphasis was placed on monitoring cyberspace and confronting the symbolic economy of protest, including opening cases against “brands or shops” and “public figures”, as tools to curb protest calls and indirect support.

Regarding the official narrative on casualties and security, the judiciary-affiliated outlet Mizan reported the killing of a police officer in Malard. In another reaction, the Ministry of Health claimed that arrests in university environments had been very limited and that only “one medical sciences student” had been arrested, and that this arrest had occurred “outside the university environment.”

Domestic Reactions (Civil Society, Labour Groups, and Public Figures)

As the protests continued, a series of statements by professional and civil groups, along with positions taken by critical cultural, sports, and political figures, were published. A shared theme across many of these responses was the condemnation of repression, an emphasis on the right to protest, and solidarity with protesters.

Statements and Organizations

In the field of arts and culture, 184 Iranian filmmakers issued a statement condemning the crackdown on protests, emphasizing that shooting unarmed people constitutes a “crime against the right to life,” and affirming their support for freedom of expression. The Iran Cinema House also stated in a separate declaration that people find no avenue other than the streets to voice their protests, describing violence against protesters as illegitimate, unlawful, and irrational.

Today, child rights organizations likewise condemned violence against children and called for the release of detained children and adolescents.

Regarding labor and professional protests, widespread strikes and shop closures were reported in Kurdish regions. These strikes were mainly documented in cities such as Ilam, Kermanshah, Sanandaj, Marivan, Saqqez, Mahabad, Bukan, Oshnavieh, and Sardasht.

Public Figures

Among well-known figures, a range of supportive and critical positions were expressed. Mohsen Makhmalbaf, in a supportive text, emphasized national solidarity and criticized individual dictatorship. Mohammad Fazeli proposed a “democratic bargain with the people” as a path forward. Parsa Pirouzfar, by raising a critical question about the “limits of humiliating and crushing people’s bodies and spirits,” reacted to the atmosphere of repression.

Among sports figures, Voria Ghafouri expressed solidarity and announced that he would close his café for today and tomorrow. Hamid Derakhshan, Mehdi Ghaedi, Mostafa Mastour, Alireza Faghani, and Rasoul Khadem also voiced support for the protests through messages or videos.

At the political and social level, Shirin Ebadi stressed solidarity and described the protests and strikes as unprecedented and nationwide. Azar Mansouri condemned the “repressive approach” toward protesters, described the situation as a “crisis of governance,” and called for the release of detainees, especially women, youth, adolescents, and students. Zahra Rahnavard, in a message using mournful language, referred to the “young lives cut down,” reiterated the slogan “Do not be afraid… we are all together,” and emphasized the transition to democracy.

In addition, references were made to positions and controversies surrounding Ali Daei, whose criticism of government performance and the economic situation, including remarks such as “eggs becoming a luxury item”, was met with reactions and media attacks. Mojtaba Mehrami also made statements expressing support for Mohammad Reza Shah and a positive view of the Pahlavi era.

Arrests

Individual Arrests with Confirmed Identities

  1. 1. Issa Foroughi – City of arrest: Dehdasht (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province), Gachi village – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  2. 2. Jaber Foroughi – City of arrest: Dehdasht (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province), Gachi village – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  3. 3. Iman Foroughi – City of arrest: Dehdasht (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province), Gachi village – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  4. 4. Jamal Askari – City of arrest: Dehdasht (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province), Gachi village – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  5. 5. Asghar Vahdat – City of arrest: Dehdasht (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province), Gachi village – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  6. 6. Pouya Barati – City of arrest: Dehdasht (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province), Gachi village – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  7. 7. Reza Moradi – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  8. 8. Mostafa Golzar – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  9. 9. Mohsen Kamyab – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  10. 10. Mohammad Seyfouri – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  11. 11. Ebrahim Pishvaei – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  12. 12. Morteza Sarhadi – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  13. 13. Amir Mozaheri – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  14. 14. Ahad Seyfouri – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  15. 15. Arman Masoudi – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  16. 16. Setareh Farghei – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  17. 17. Fariborz Abbasi – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  18. 18. Yazdan Faalehgari – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  19. 19. Kamal Mahdavi – City of arrest: Harsin (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  20. 20. Hassan Rostami Namdari – City of arrest: Kermanshah – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  21. 21. Pouria Bamkhasht – City of arrest: Kermanshah – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa – Notable point: Student

  22. 22. Mahan Dabiripour – City of arrest: Kermanshah – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Kurdpa

  23. 23. Fatemeh Hataminejad – City of arrest: Sabzevar (Razavi Khorasan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  24. 24. Ahmadreza Farhadi Topkanlou – City of arrest: Sabzevar (Razavi Khorasan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  25. 25. Mahsa Basir Tavana – City of arrest: Rasht (Gilan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Released – Source: HRANA

  26. 26. Parsa Ghobakhloo – City of arrest: Tehran – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Amirkabir Newsletter – Notable point: Student

  27. 27. Pezhman Parsa – City of arrest: Shiraz (Fars Province), Yaghtin Street – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  28. 28. Moslem Kamyab – City of arrest: Songhor (Kermanshah Province) – Place of detention: Songhor Prison – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  29. 29. Amirhossein Takbaz – City of arrest: Karaj (Alborz Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  30. 30. Asad Abedi – City of arrest: Yasuj (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  31. 31. Hamidreza Esmailpour – City of arrest: Bojnord (North Khorasan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: Baluch Activists Campaign

  32. 32. Sina Mohammadi – City of arrest: Dezful (Khuzestan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  33. 33. Amirparsa Neshat – City of arrest: Tehran, Shahrak-e Gharb – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA

  34. 34. Nasser Toghiri – City of arrest: Hamedan – Place of detention: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility (Hamedan) – Current status: Detained – Source: HRANA – Notable point: Activist

  35. 35. Hassan Mohammadi Saghai – City of arrest: Behbahan (Khuzestan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Released – Source: HRANA

  36. 36. Sadrallah Mohammadi Saghai – City of arrest: Behbahan (Khuzestan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Released – Source: HRANA

Group or Unidentified Arrests

  1. 1. One citizen – City of arrest: Borujerd (Lorestan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained

  2. 2. Two citizens – City of arrest: Malard (Tehran Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Notable point: Forced confessions

  3. 3. one citizen – City of arrest: Nurabad (Lorestan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained

  4. 4. ninw citizens – City of arrest: Mehriz (Yazd Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained

  5. 5. onw citizen – City of arrest: Unknown – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Notable point: Forced confessions

  6. 6. one citizen – City of arrest: Baharestan (Tehran Province), Sabz Dasht – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained – Notable point: Under 18, forced confessions

  7. 7. onw citizen – City of arrest: Unknown – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Unknown

  8. 8. onw citizen – City of arrest: Azna (Lorestan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained

  9. 9. one citizen – City of arrest: Jahrom (Fars Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained

  10. 10. one citizen – City of arrest: Mashhad (Razavi Khorasan Province) – Place of detention: Unknown – Current status: Detained

In Conclusion

Overall, the twelfth day of the protests was marked by the simultaneous convergence of three prominent trends: the continuation of scattered gatherings in numerous cities, the expansion of labor and professional strikes, particularly in Kurdish regions, and the intensification of security pressure accompanied by a new wave of arrests. Alongside these developments, widespread communication disruptions and a nationwide internet shutdown on the twelfth night further constrained the flow of information and intensified the battle over narratives. This combination indicates that, despite repression and restrictions, the protests continue to retain the capacity to regenerate and adapt, both in the streets and within the urban economy.

Nationwide Protests: Three Citizens Arrested in Torbat-e Heydariyeh

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Zangeneh, Mahdiar Yaghubi, Sara Askarian, Torbat-e Heydariyeh

HRANA – A few hours ago, during public protests in Torbat-e Heydariyeh County, three citizens identified as Sara Askarian, Mahdiar Yaghubi, and Ali Zangeneh were arrested.

The identities of these individuals, 22-year-old Sara Askarian, Mahdiar Yaghubi, and Ali Zangeneh, have been confirmed by HRANA. They were arrested a few hours ago during protests by citizens in Torbat-e Heydariyeh.
As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding their place of detention or the charges brought against them.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and after two days extended beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests have become one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the eleventh day, published last night.