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Monthly Report – April 2026: Human Rights Situation in Iran

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News, Other
HRANA, Monthly Report

HRANA – This monthly report by HRANA provides a statistical summary of human rights violations in Iran during April. The increase in executions of prisoners on political and security-related charges, along with the widespread arrests of citizens for exercising freedom of expression and opinion, were among the most alarming human rights concerns during this month.

Executions

In April, the executions of 22 individuals, including one woman, were reported. A notable point was the execution of 14 prisoners on political and security-related charges. Six of these prisoners had been sentenced to death on murder charges, and two on charges related to drug offenses. Twelve of the executed political-security prisoners had been charged with “spreading corruption on earth,” while two others were accused of espionage.

In a separate report, HRANA has listed the names of these executed political-security prisoners, as well as prisoners currently at imminent risk of execution.

The regime’s judiciary also issued 13 death sentences. Two of those sentenced to death were women. Additionally, two of the thirteen individuals were sentenced to public execution.

Freedom of Thought and Expression

The mass and widespread arrest of individuals for exercising freedom of expression and opinion also continued this month, with HRANA reporting the arrest of 3,701 people. According to reports, many of these individuals were arrested on charges such as sending information to foreign media outlets.

Additionally, 134 individuals were collectively sentenced to a total of 6,068 months in prison on charges considered violations of freedom of expression. The assets of 633 people were also confiscated based on similar charges. In this connection, sentences totaling 74 lashes were also issued.

Prisoners’ Rights

Regarding prisoners’ rights, HRANA recorded 42 cases of forced confessions from detainees during this month. In addition, three cases of physical torture of prisoners and one case of psychological torture were reported. The suspicious death of a detainee named Hossein Ghavi, a disabled citizen, in the IRGC Intelligence detention center in Ahvaz was also reported.

Other reported violations of prisoners’ rights during this month included: 43 cases of detention without legal clarification of status, 25 cases in which families were kept uninformed about detained or imprisoned relatives, 2 cases of prisoner transfers to solitary confinement, 7 cases of denial of access to legal counsel, 10 cases of bans on contact, and 9 cases of denial of fresh air or outdoor time. Additionally, two hunger strikes were reported.

Kolbars and Fuel Carriers

During this month, the country’s military forces killed 18 citizens through shootings. In one case, indiscriminate gunfire at a moving vehicle
in Dashtiari County resulted in the deaths of three passengers inside the car.

Workers’ Rights

In April, five labor protest gatherings were reported. Various reports also indicated widespread workforce reductions, including the dismissal of 2,092 workers.

During this month, workplace accidents also claimed the lives of 9 workers and injured 40 others.

Trade unions and guilds also held five protest gatherings. Three cases of business closures ordered by authorities and two arrests were also reported.

Children’s Rights

Regarding workers’ rights, the arrest of two 17-year-old teenagers in Chabahar by security forces was reported.

Religious Minorities

During this month, three Baha’i citizens in Kerman were sent to prison to serve their sentences. Additionally, five members of religious minorities, including Angha Siavashi, a Baha’i citizen, were arrested by security forces. Four house searches and two court summonses were also reported.

Ethnic Rights

Regarding violations of the rights of ethnic minorities, five arrests were reported, including two carried out without the presentation of judicial warrants, as well as one summons to security institutions.

Four Individuals Arrested by the IRGC on Security Charges in Kurdistan

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News, Other
HRANA, irgc, Kurdistan

HRANA – In an official statement, IRGC announced the arrest of four individuals on security-related charges in Kurdistan Province. According to the statement, weapons, ammunition, and Starlink satellite equipment were seized from those detained.

According to Asr Iran, in a statement, the IRGC’s information base said: “The Hamzeh Seyyed al-Shohada Headquarters of the IRGC Ground Forces arrested these individuals, who are members of opposition groups, on April 267, 2026.” It added that “anti-security items such as Kalashnikov rifles, handguns, ammunition, grenades, fake identification documents, and Starlink satellite equipment were discovered and confiscated from them.”

The statement further claimed, without providing additional details such as the identities of the individuals, that the detainees intended to carry out “terrorist” actions.

101 Individuals Arrested in Kerman on Security-Related Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, Kerman

HRANA – The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Kerman has announced the arrest of at least 101 individuals during the ongoing conflict in the county. He cited the reasons for their detention as “espionage, links with the Israeli regime, possession and carrying of weapons, and membership in takfiri groups.”

According to IRNA, at least 101 citizens were arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman Province during military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.

The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Kerman stated that among those detained, 15 individuals were arrested on charges of “espionage,” 19 for membership in “takfiri” groups, and 53 others in connection with “weapons and ammunition.”

Mehdi Bakhshi added that two individuals were also arrested under charges related to Article 2, and 12 others under Article 8 of the relevant law. Additionally, four individuals have been prosecuted on charges of cooperation with “Israel and hostile countries,” in accordance with Article 6 of the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage.

The statement did not disclose the identities of the detainees or their place of detention.

Seyed Anvar Alavi Arrested in Oshnavieh

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, Kurdpa, Oshnavieh, Seyed Anvar Alavi, انور علوی

HRANA – Seyed Anvar Alavi, a resident of Oshnavieh, has been arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to Kurdpa, his arrest was carried out without the presentation of a judicial warrant. Following his detention, he was taken to an unknown location and has been denied access to a lawyer and family visits.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

 

Arrest of Several Individuals by IRGC Intelligence Agents

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, irgc, IRIB

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the identification and arrest of several individuals across the country without providing detailed information. The organization claims these individuals were members of “espionage teams” who sent images of sensitive locations in the country to media outlets based abroad. A video of forced confessions from several of the detainees has also been released, though the conditions under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to IRIB (state broadcasting), the IRGC Intelligence Organization reported the arrest of several individuals in the country. The organization stated that it had identified and detained “members of an espionage network affiliated with Mossad.”

According to the claims made, these individuals are accused of sending sensitive images and information to foreign-based channels and networks, including the media outlet “Iran International.”

It has also been claimed that weapons and communication equipment were discovered in their possession. A video of forced confessions from several detainees has also been released, though the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

The report does not provide independent information regarding the number, identities, or places of detention of those arrested.

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Maryam Davoudian Arrested After Being Summoned to the Intelligence Office in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Bukan, HRANA, Maryam Davoudian, مریم داودیان

HRANA – Maryam Davoudian, a resident of Bukan, was arrested on Monday, April 20, after being summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence office of this city, and was transferred to Urmia Prison.

According to a report by Kurdpa, Ms. Davoudian was summoned via a phone call to the Intelligence Office in Bukan. On Monday, April 20, after appearing at this security institution, she was arrested and transferred to the quarantine ward of the women’s section of Urmia Prison under a 10-day temporary detention order.

This 58-year-old citizen was able to make a brief phone call to her family after her arrest.

The report states that Ms. Davoudian suffers from multiple medical conditions, including diabetes, minor thalassemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. She had previously lost vision in one of her eyes due to an eye stroke and requires medical care and continuous access to her medications.

As of the time of this report’s publication, no information is available regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges brought against her.

January Protests: Nine More Citizens Arrested in Connection with the Killing of a Security Force Member

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Farajollah Shushtari, January Protests, Mashhad

HRANA – The Police Information Center announced the arrest of 9 additional citizens in connection with the case of the killing of a security force member during the January protests in Mashhad. Previously, state media had also reported that a number of protesters had been arrested in relation to the same case.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Information Center of the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that, in a “joint operation” between the Khorasan Razavi police and security forces, an individual identified as a suspect in the killing of Farajollah Shushtari, along with eight others, has been arrested.

According to the police’s claims, the detainees have been described as “individuals involved in this crime” and have been handed over to judicial authorities. However, the identities of these individuals, the exact details of how they were arrested, and their place of detention have not been disclosed.

Earlier, state media had also reported the arrest of a number of citizens in Mashhad in connection with the same case. In that report, without mentioning the number or identities of those arrested, the charge of “killing a security force member” was attributed to the detainees.

No independent details are available regarding the legal proceedings of this case, the detainees’ access to legal counsel, or their current condition.

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

One Person Arrested on Espionage Charges in Robat Karim

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News, Other
IRGC Intelligence, Robat-Karim

HRANA – One individual in Robat Karim, Tehran Province, has been arrested by IRGC Intelligence forces on charges of “espionage by sending images of the country’s sensitive centers to opposition groups and foreign media outlets.”

According to Khabar Fori, Robat Karim security officials claimed that the individual was detained on the charge of “espionage through sending images of sensitive national sites to groups opposed to the regime and foreign media.”

It adds that the person was transferred to prison after the arrest.
The report does not provide further details, including the identity of the citizen.

Police Commander Announces Arrest of At Least 1,800 People

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Ahmadreza Radan, HRANA

HRANA – The Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force has announced the arrest of at least 1,800 individuals as part of a crackdown on what he described as “hostile elements, espionage, and disruptive actors.”

Ahmadreza Radan stated that these individuals were detained in connection with activities such as alleged “criminal” actions in cyberspace, publishing images of sensitive locations, communication with opposition groups, and participation in protests. According to Ahmadreza Radan, more than 900 others have also been “identified or dealt with.”

According to Fars News Agency, Radan discussed a series of security and policing measures in recent months during a televised interview last night. Based on  his statements, more than 700 individuals identified as “monarchist elements and affiliated online networks” have been arrested. Additionally, over 400 people were detained on charges of “collecting and publishing images and information from strike locations and transferring operational data.”

In another part of the report, Radan stated that more than 200 individuals were arrested for using “technical and network tools for destructive activities.” Furthermore, over 400 people were detained in connection with protests, and at least 100 others were arrested for alleged links to what he described as “terrorist groups and services.”

He also reported that more than 900 individuals in the field of cyberspace have been “identified or dealt with,” claiming that they were involved in “disturbing public opinion or supporting disruptive actions.” No precise details have been provided regarding the nature of these actions or how many of these individuals were actually arrested.

The Commander-in-Chief further claimed the discovery of more than 3,000 firearms and the seizure of over 6,000 pieces of what he described as “espionage equipment,” presenting these as outcomes of law enforcement and security operations.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the geographic distribution of these arrests, the identities of those detained, their places of detention, the legal process of their cases, or their access to legal counsel. Additional details about the alleged activities and supporting evidence have also not been made available.

IRGC Intelligence Organization: At least 127 People Arrested in Three Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other, Religious Minorities
East Azerbaijan, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Mazandaran

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the identification and arrest of at least 127 individuals in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. The organization claims that these individuals, including media activists, Baha’i citizens, people affiliated with opposition groups, and “spy teams”, were involved in activities linked to what it described as “networks affiliated with foreign governments.”

According to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced in a statement the arrest of dozens of individuals. The organization stated that “cells affiliated with the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom” had been identified and “dismantled” in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. In the statement, those arrested were accused of actions such as “network-building, espionage, market disruption, and planning unrest.”

According to the claims made, seven individuals were arrested in East Azerbaijan province for alleged connections with “monarchist” groups. In Mazandaran province, authorities reported the arrest of 69 individuals who, according to the organization, face accusations including ties to anti-government movements and so-called “economic mercenary” activities.

The report further states that the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman province announced the identification and action taken against 51 individuals. It claimed that among them were three “spy teams” linked to foreign intelligence services, two groups of Baha’i citizens, a four-member “armed operational cell affiliated with monarchist groups,” and six media operatives connected to the “Iran International” network. According to the organization, these individuals were attempting to disrupt the market and organize unrest through contacts outside the country.

The statement also claimed that quantities of weapons and communication equipment were discovered at locations where these individuals were held.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the identities of those arrested, their place of detention, or the legal process of their cases. Additionally, despite the scale of the reported figures and the accusations made, no specific details have been provided regarding the evidence for these charges, the manner of the arrests, or the exact nature of their alleged connections.