Category: Freedom of Expression

The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other, Publications
Iran 2025–2026 Protests, Mass Protests, nationwide protests, Political Repression, The Crimson Winter

HRANA- Published today, this comprehensive report examines developments during the first fifty days following the eruption of nationwide protests in Iran on December 28, 2025, providing a detailed account of the unfolding events and the state response from December 2025 through February 2026.

Compiled through a coordinated, multi team documentation effort across HRA’s news agency HRANA, Spreading Justice, the Pasdaran Documentation Project, and the Statistics Department, the roughly 1,350 page report preserves a structured record of the opening phase of Iran’s 2025–2026 nationwide protests and the state response.

The findings are derived from more than 143,330 HRANA reports drawn from confidential and open sources, collected, verified, and analyzed during the 50-day window.

Download the full report in PDF format.

Why this report, and why now?

Large scale protest cycles generate two parallel dynamics: an unprecedented volume of documentation and a coordinated effort by state authorities to restrict communications, shape narratives, and intimidate sources. In this environment, the central risk is not only undercounting violations, but losing the ability to verify identities, locations, dates, and patterns while evidence remains recoverable.

This report adopts a disciplined human rights methodology centered on documenting minimum verifiable cases rather than publishing maximal estimates. It presents findings that can be substantiated through corroborated evidence, even where the broader scale of violations likely exceeds what can be confirmed in real time. The publication is intended both as a public record and as an archival foundation for legal analysis and future accountability processes.

What the report contains

The report maps the first fifty days of protests by addressing core accountability questions:

1. How did protests evolve and spread geographically

2. How did state forces respond, and through what structures

3. What forms of harm occurred

4. How did blackout conditions affect the availability, quality, and verification of information

5. How was content authenticated and cross checked in an environment shaped by surveillance, source risk, and restricted access

6. How were risks from manipulated, fabricated, or AI generated content identified and mitigated within the verification process

7. How can documented patterns be legally characterized

8. How can records, especially identities of victims and detainees, be preserved without increasing risk

Sections analyze protest trends and geography, university mobilization, slogans, the structure and tools of repression, patterns of violations including killings, injuries, arrests, coerced confessions, pressure on families, and attacks on medical neutrality, as well as legal analysis, international responses, and how HRA documentation initiatives mobilized.

At the center of the report are two core pillars: the verified accounting of those killed, including children, and the documented accounting of detainees, including minors, students, and individuals subjected to group arrests.

Key Findings

Geographic scope

• Total protest locations: 682

• Unique cities: 203

• Unique provinces: 31

The geographic distribution demonstrates that both protest activity and state response were nationwide in scope.

Student mobilization

• University protests documented: 55

• Protesting universities: 36

Universities emerged as central civic spaces within the broader protest movement and the state response.

Fatalities: scale and composition

Across the first fifty days covered by this report, consolidated documentation records:

• Protesters killed: 6,488

• Children killed, counted separately and not included among protesters: 236

• Civilians killed, non-protester: 76

• Military and government forces killed: 207

• Total fatalities: 7,007

An additional 11,744 cases remain under review and are not included in confirmed totals. Separately, HRA documented eight civilian deaths resulting from clashes between civilians in public. The categorical separation is deliberate. Distinguishing protesters, children, non-protester civilians, and government or pro-government fatalities prevents analytical conflation and enables clearer legal and statistical interpretation. The figures reflect a minimum verifiable record compiled under conditions where comprehensive access is not possible.

Injuries

• Injured military and security forces: 4,884

• Injured civilians: 25,846

These figures contextualize the breadth of harm beyond confirmed fatalities and illustrate the overall magnitude of violence.

Arrests

• Total arrests: 53,777

• Children, teenagers, and school students arrested: 555

• University students arrested: 147

Arrest figures include both individually identified cases and verified group arrests, reflecting documentation realities in which names are often unavailable or unsafe to publish.

Forced confessions

• Documented forced confessions: 369

The report treats coerced confessions as a systematic instrument of intimidation and narrative control within a heavily surveilled and restricted media environment.

Summonses

• Documented summonses: 11,053

Summonses function as a parallel mechanism of legal pressure, extending state control beyond those formally detained.

The List of the Deceased: Methodology and Protection

Appendix A contains the list of the deceased. Publication decisions are governed by a protection centered framework that weighs the public interest in disclosure against the risk of retaliation for relatives, witnesses, and HRANA’s network.

Where names are published, they are paired, where possible, with core identifiers including age, location, and documentation anchors used in verification. Entries are also paired with sources. Where a third-party source is listed as the primary source, HRANA has independently verified the information through its reporting network.

Where publication would create unacceptable risk, cases are reflected in verified totals and preserved within secure documentation systems for accountability purposes.

The list is the product of a structured, cross-checked verification methodology designed to preserve an accurate public record without increasing danger to those inside the country.

Legal Assessment and Accountability Relevance

The report includes a preliminary legal assessment, framing documented patterns as potential violations of international human rights law and, where applicable thresholds are met, international criminal law.

Patterns of lethal force, mass arrests, coerced confessions, and related violations are analyzed against legal standards governing the right to life, due process, freedom of expression and assembly, and protections against torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

By grounding its legal analysis with verified names, dates, locations, and corroborated patterns, the report connects documentation to concrete pathways for accountability.

 

Report on the Arrest of Four Citizens in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Salehi, Ahmad Hezbavi, Behrouz Izanlou, Khan-Aziz Esmaili

HRANA – Abolfazl Salehi in Mashhad, Behrouz Izanlou in Bojnurd, Khan-Aziz Esmaili, a member of the Teachers’ Trade Association in Eslamabad-e Gharb, and Ahmad Hezbavi in Ahvaz have been arrested by security forces on different dates.

Based on information received by HRANA, Abolfazl Salehi, 20 years old, was arrested by security forces in January and transferred to an undisclosed location. At the same time, a video of his forced confessions was broadcast by official media outlets; however, it remains unclear under what circumstances the video was recorded. This has heightened concerns among his family and relatives.

Additionally, Ahmad Hezbavi was arrested on February 18 by security forces in Ahvaz while returning from a memorial ceremony marking the 40th day after the deaths of victims of the protests. No information is available regarding his place of detention.

Meanwhile, Kurdpa reported the continued detention of Behrouz Izanlou, a 39-year-old construction worker, father of two, and resident of Bojnord. According to the report, he was arrested on January 4 at his home without the presentation of a judicial warrant and was subjected to beating during the arrest. He was subsequently transferred to Bojnurd Prison and remains held there in a state of uncertainty. During his detention, Mr. Izanlou has been denied family visits and access to legal counsel.

Kurdpa also reported the arrest of Khan-Aziz Esmaili, a member of the Teachers’ trade Association of Eslamabad-e Gharb and a resident of the city. He was arrested on Sunday, February 22 at his home without a judicial warrant and transferred to an undisclosed location. During the arrest, security agents confiscated his mobile phone as well as the phones of all his family members.

Among these individuals, Khan-Aziz Esmaili has previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these four citizens.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests.

Report on the Arrest of Seven Citizens in Various Cities Across the Country

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmad Naderpour, Amir Roshandel, Azar Saheli, Dehdasht, Farzad Keshavarz, irgc, Kamyar Rashidi, Meysam Chabok, Ramsar, Ruhollah Naderi, Saeed Naderi, Sedigh Parizad

HRANA – Ahmad Naderpour, Sedigh Parizad, and Amir Roshandel, residents of Kalat County; Ruhollah Naderi and his brother Saeed Naderi, residents of Shahriar County; and Meysam Chabok and Kamyar Rashidi, residents of Eslamabad-e Gharb County, have been arrested by security forces. So far, no information is available regarding their whereabouts.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI), Ruhollah Naderi and his brother Saeed Naderi were arrested in Shahriar County.

Based on information received by HRANA, the two brothers, Ruhollah and Saeed Naderi, were arrested separately in the early hours of yesterday by IRGC Intelligence agents at their private residences in Shahriar County. During the arrest of Saeed Naderi, his home was also searched, and several personal items were confiscated, including his mobile phone and that of his wife.

Meanwhile, Kurdpa reported the arrest of five citizens in Kalat and Eslamabad-e Gharb counties.

The identities of these individuals have been reported as Ahmad Naderpour, Sedigh Parizad, and Amir Roshandel, residents of Layin Kalat village in Kalat County, as well as Meysam Chabok and Kamyar Rashidi, residents of Eslamabad-e Gharb.

According to this report, Mr. Naderpour, Mr. Parizad, and Mr. Roshandel were arrested on Sunday, January 25, at their private residences in Layin Kalat village, Kalat County, by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant. Additionally, on Saturday, February 21, Meysam Chabok and Kamyar Rashidi were arrested by security forces in Eslamabad-e Gharb County.

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

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests.

Hossein Molaei-Pour Sentenced to Prison and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Hossein Molaei-Pour, Izeh

HRANA News Agency – Hossein Molaei-Pour, a disabled resident of Izeh, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz to more than two years in prison, a travel ban, and an obligation to report to the Intelligence Office.

Based on a verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz and formally communicated to his defense attorney, Hossein Ali Hatami, Mr. Molaei-Pour has been sentenced to two years and one day of imprisonment, a two-year travel ban, and an obligation to report to the Intelligence Office for a period of one year.

The ruling was issued on charges of propaganda against the regime and engaging in propaganda activity against the regime in support of Israel.

This citizen was arrested on September 27 of 2025 and was later released on bail on October 22.

Hossein Molaei-Pour, aged approximately 19, is a disabled resident of Izeh County.

Nirvana Torbati Nejad and Her Mother Arrested in Gorgan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gorgan, Hossein Soleimani, HRANA, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad, Roghayeh Amirkhani

HRANA – Today, Sunday, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad and her mother, Roghayeh (Sayeh) Amirkhani, were arrested by officers of the Public Security and Intelligence Police in Gorgan. Their arrest took place during the fortieth-day memorial ceremony of one of those killed in the protests.

Based on information received by HRANA, the two citizens were arrested today, February 22, 2026, by officers of the Golestan Province Public Security and Intelligence Police during the fortieth-day memorial ceremony for Hossein Soleimani, one of those killed in recent protests, in the city of Gorgan.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA and stated: “Nirvana’s arrest is unrelated to her previous case.”

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the reasons for their arrest, their place of detention, or the charges brought against them.

It is worth noting that in December of this year, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of this city to six months of discretionary imprisonment. The appeal hearing in her case is scheduled to be held on February 24, 2026, at Branch 1 of the Golestan Province Court of Appeals.

Nirvana Torbati Nejad and her mother, Roghayeh (Sayeh) Amirkhani, are residents of Gorgan.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests.

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British Nationals Craig and Lindsay Foreman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, Craig Foreman, IRGC Intelligence, Joe Bennett, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals currently imprisoned in Iran, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA News Agency, citing BBC Persian, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, headed by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced the couple to 10 years in prison on charges of “espionage.”

The British couple stated that despite being present in court, no evidence was presented and they were given no opportunity to defend themselves.

Their son, Joe Bennett, has said that he is deeply concerned about their conditions of detention. The UK Foreign Secretary has also described the ruling as “appalling and unjustifiable.”

The report does not provide further details, including the date on which the verdict was issued.

The couple had previously gone on hunger strike in November of last year in protest against the lack of progress in their case.

Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman had entered Iran as part of a round-the-world motorcycle trip and were arrested in December 2024 by the IRGC Intelligence in Kerman. Judicial authorities had earlier accused them of “espionage,” alleging that they had gathered information in several provinces under the cover of tourism and research activities.

The then British ambassador to Iran also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of last year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have detained several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile states. Some of these detainees have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and some Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage, allegations that Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

Nationwide Protests: Arrest of Seven Citizens in Taleqan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Alborz, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ali Shahbazi, Ebrahim Gharghi, HRANA, Mohammad Akbarian, Mostafa Vatan-Khah, Taleqan

HRANA – Seven citizens were arrested by security forces in connection with the protests in Taleqan County, Alborz Province.

Based on information received by HRANA, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ebrahim Gharghi, Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Ali Shahbazi, Mohammad Akbarian, and Mostafa Vatan-Khah were detained following the January 8 protests in Taleqan. Despite more than a month having passed since their arrest, their place of detention remains unknown.

No information has yet been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran. After two days, the scope of the protests extended beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published on the fiftieth day since the start of the protests.

New Prison Term for Jailed Political Prisoner Mostafa Tajzadeh

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Houshang Pourbabai, IRGC Intelligence, Mostafa Tajzadeh

HRANA – Branch 22 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Mostafa Tajzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, to 14 months in prison in connection with a case opened against him during his imprisonment.

Fakhrossadat Mohtashamipour, the wife of Mostafa Tajzadeh, announced in a statement that under a verdict issued today, Monday, February 16, by Branch 22 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Taghizadeh, this political prisoner was sentenced to 14 months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of propaganda against the regime.

He had previously been summoned on December 30, 2025, following the opening of a new case, after receiving a notice to appear before Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to defend himself against the charges brought against him.

In July of 2025, in another case formed against him during his imprisonment, Mostafa Tajzadeh was sentenced to a total of five years in prison. According to Houshang Pourbabai, Mr. Tajzadeh’s defense attorney, with the issuance of this new ruling, the total sentences against his client have increased to 17 years in prison.

In December 2024, in another case, Mr. Tajzadeh was sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, to one year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the regime and five years in prison on the charge of assembly and collusion against national security, totaling six years.

Regarding that case, Fakhrossadat Mohtashamipour had stated that it was initiated by the IRGC Intelligence Organization and that Abolghasem Salavati has, since 2009, issued a new sentence against Mostafa Tajzadeh for the third time.

Mostafa Tajzadeh was arrested by security forces on July 8, 2022, and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 2-A of Evin Prison. He was later sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, to eight years in prison on charges of assembly and collusion against national security, spreading falsehoods, and propaganda against the regime, five years of which are enforceable.

Mr. Tajzadeh has previously faced judicial action and imprisonment due to his activities.

Nationwide Protests: Arrest of 13 Citizens, Including 8 Teenagers, in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolfazl Kenari, Ali-Abbas Shamsaei Moghaddam, Amirali Delrooz, Amirhomayoun Romina, Amirhossein Raznahan, Amirsam Heydarian, Arsam Safaei, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Ilya Nekoouifar, Mehdi Savareh-Ulia, Reza Shoja Mazraji, RGC Intelligence, Sanaz Shah-Hosseini

HRANA – As mass arrests by security forces continue, the identities of 13 detainees arrested in connection with the protests have been confirmed.

Based on information received by HRANA, Sanaz Shah-Hosseini was arrested at her residence in Ekbatan, Tehran, on January 10, 2026, and transferred to Evin Prison. Additionally, Amirsam Heydarian, Amirhossein Raznahan, Arsam Safaei, Ilya Nekoouifar, Amirali Delrooz, Amirhomayoun Romina, Abolfazl Kenari, and Ali-Abbas Shamsaei Moghaddam, eight students under the age of 17, were arrested on February 14, 2026, in Yasuj by agents of the IRGC Intelligence. Mehdi Savareh-Ulia was also arrested on January 8, 2026, in Karaj by IRGC Intelligence agents. He is currently being held in a state of legal limbo in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

It should be noted that Mehdi Savareh-Ulia sustained serious injuries to his head and spine due to beatings during his arrest and interrogation. Despite his poor physical condition, he has reportedly been denied medical treatment. He was initially transferred to Ward 16 (security ward) of the Central Prison of Karaj. His arrest was carried out by agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

An informed source close to the families of the eight detained students confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “These teenagers were interrogated after their arrest, and judicial cases have been opened against them. So far, no information has been obtained regarding their place of detention.” Meanwhile, the IRGC Fath Intelligence Organization claimed in a statement that the individuals, allegedly operating as an eight-member team, were identified and arrested before taking any destructive action, as they were reportedly attempting to prepare and distribute incendiary materials and Molotov cocktails. However, the statement did not mention the ages or identities of the accused.

The Telegram channel “United Students” also reported the arrest of Ali Parvin and Mohammadamin Soltanzadeh, students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. According to the report, the two students were arrested on Monday, February 16, by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

In another development, the Telegram channel of the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations announced the release of a teacher named Reza Shoja Mazraji. According to the report, he was released on February 7, 2026, after posting bail set at 2 billion tomans from one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facilities in Sarakhs. The charges brought against him include assembly and collusion and propaganda against the regime. He had been arrested at his private residence in Sarakhs on January 9, 2026, by security forces.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges against 12 of these individuals.

Among these citizens, Ali Parvin and Mohammadamin Soltanzadeh have previously faced judicial action due to their activities. Sanaz Shah-Hosseini had also been arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022. She was released from Evin Prison after one month at that time.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and market merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran and, after two days, spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests, published last night.

Arrest of 10 Citizens in Connection with Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Aida Ataei, Bahar Sajadi, Hadi Milajerdi, Hassan Ghasemabadi, Mahdieh Yousefi, Mohammadreza Marandi, Mousareza Alavi, Samira Shokouhi-Nasab, Tina Fereshteh

HRANA – Security forces have arrested 10 individuals in various cities in connection with the protests.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mousareza Alavi, 18, an athlete, was arrested on January 8; Mahdieh Yousefi, Samira Shokouhi-Nasab, Aida Ataei, Tina Fereshteh, 18, and Bahar Sajadi were arrested in Sabzevar. Amirali Amiri, 22, a resident of Gorgan, was arrested in that city on Bahman 18; Hadi Milajerdi, 25, was arrested on January 13 in Joveyn; and Hassan Ghasemabadi (Elias), 35, a CrossFit coach, was arrested in Neyshabur.

Among these individuals, Alavi, Yousefi, Shokouhi-Nasab, Ataei, and Sajadi are being held in Sabzevar Prison. Amirali Amiri is being held in Amirabad Prison in Gorgan. There is currently no information available regarding the whereabouts of Tina Fereshteh, Hadi Milajerdi, and Hassan Ghasemabadi.

Amirkabir Newsletter also reported the arrest of a 26-year-old student, Mohammadreza Marandi, in Fariman County. According to the report, he is a former literature student at the University of Tehran and was arrested at his residence on the evening of January 7.

The report further states that despite 40 days having passed since his arrest, only one brief visit has taken place between this student and his family. His family has also announced that they have received no official information regarding the reason for his arrest, the charges brought against him, or the conditions of his detention and his physical and mental health.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and market merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran and, after two days, spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests, published last night.