Category: News

January Protests: Seven Citizens Arrested, Including a 16-Year-Old

Posted on by . .
Children, Freedom of Expression, News
Fariborz Heidari, Hossein Mazinani, Kasra Ghaderbeigi, Mehdi Mazinani

HRANA – Kasra Ghaderbeigi, a 16-year-old minor from the city of Asmanabad; Mehdi Barzouei in Bojnurd; Hossein Mazinani and Mehdi Mazinani, two brothers residing in Tehran; and three environmental activists named Sadegh Parviz-Zadeh, Fariborz Heidari, and Hossein Ansarian have been arrested by security agents in connection with the nationwide protests.

According to Kurdpa, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Kasra Ghaderbeigi, a 16-year-old from Asmanabad in Ilam Province, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

His arrest was carried out without the presentation of a judicial warrant, and to date, no information has been obtained regarding the reason for his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Separately, according to Kolbar News, Mehdi Barzouei was arrested by security forces at his private residence in Bojnurd on January 10, 2026, without the presentation of a judicial warrant, and transferred to an undisclosed location. After undergoing interrogation, he was transferred in recent days to Bojnurd Prison. This wrestler has been denied access to a lawyer and family visits, and no official information has been released regarding the charges against him.

In a report by Ensaf News, it was stated that Sadegh Parviz-Zadeh, Fariborz Heidari, and Hossein Ansarian—three environmental activists who had previously been arrested in connection with the nationwide protests—remain in detention.

In recent days, the arrest of a number of environmental activists has been reported. The head of Iran’s Department of Environment has also, in correspondence with the head of the judiciary, called for the release of activists detained during the recent protests.

Additionally, according to the news channel of Khajeh Nasir University of Technology, Hossein Mazinani, a graduate in computer engineering from Khajeh Nasir University of Technology and in music from the University of Art in Tehran, along with his brother Mehdi Mazinani, a graduate in computer engineering from Sharif University of Technology, were arrested on January 10, 2026. As of the time of this report, no further details have been published regarding their place of detention or the charges against them.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, they spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread in recent years. For more information, you can refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the thirty-eighth day since the start of the protests.

Report on the Arrest of Nine Citizens in Connection with the January Protests

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmadreza Bakhtar, Ali Gilani, Amir Mohammad Sarhadi, Fariborz Sadeghi, Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani, Ilam, irgc, Mohammad Mohammadian, Pouria Mirzaei, Sanandaj

HRANA – In connection with the nationwide protests, nine individuals were arrested by security forces in the cities of Ilam, Kermanshah, Sanandaj, Tehran, and Kerman.

Based on information received by HRANA, Amir Mohammad Sarhadi, Pouria Mirzaei, Mohammad Mohammadian, and Ali Gilani were arrested during the nationwide protests in Kerman by Intelligence Organization of the IRGC agents in this city.

In this regard, on January 14, 2026, Mehr News Agency published a video of the forced confessions of these citizens under the title “Agents Behind the Arson of the Kosar Square Procession.” In this video, which it is unclear under what conditions it was recorded, the citizens express remorse.

A source close to the families of these citizens, while confirming the news, told HRANA: “So far, no information has been obtained about their place of detention. The lack of information about the fate of these citizens has increased the concerns of their families and relatives.”

Additionally, Fariborz Sadeghi, a resident of Ilam, was also arrested by security forces in this city in late January 2026. So far, no information has been obtained about his place of detention.

On the other hand, Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani and Ahmadreza Bakhtar were arrested by security forces in Tehran and are currently being held in Greater Tehran Prison.

According to available information, Bakhtar, 18 years old, from Shirvan in Ilam Province, and Haj Jafar Kashani were arrested by security forces in Tehran during the early days of the protests.

Kurdpa News Agency also reported the arrest of two citizens in Sanandaj and Kermanshah.

The identities of these citizens were reported as Mehdi Ghaderi, 32 years old, son of Ali, married, father of two children, and a resident of Sanandaj; and Moslem Seydi, 39 years old, from and residing in Kermanshah.

According to this report, Mr. Ghaderi was arrested on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by security forces in Sanandaj, and Mr. Seydi was arrested on January 9, 2026, inside a doctor’s office on Kashani Street in Kermanshah. Since their arrest, no information has been obtained regarding their place of detention.

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

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, they spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread in recent years. For more information, you can refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the thirty-eighth day since the start of the protests.

Day 39 of the Nationwide Protests: A Lawmaker’s Remarks on the Armed Suppression of Protests

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Esmail Kowsari, Fajr Film Festival, HRANA, iran protests, irgc

HRANA – According to the latest verified cumulative data compiled by HRANA through the end of day thirty-nine of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,883. Based on these figures, 6,445 individuals have been classified as protesters, while 164 victims fall under the category of children under the age of 18. In addition, 214 individuals affiliated with the government and 60 “civilian non-protesters” have been reported among the dead. A total of 11,280 cases remain under investigation.

During the same period, 11,021 civilian injuries were recorded. The total number of arrests reached 50,842, including 109 student arrests. HRANA has also documented 307 cases of forced confessions and 11,046 summonses. Furthermore, a total of 674 protest-related incidents were recorded across 210 cities in 31 provinces.

Today’s major developments related to the protests and their suppression can be grouped into four areas: the continued disruption of communications and a sustained, noticeable decline in internet traffic; controversies surrounding the Fajr Film Festival and public reactions from cultural figures; the ongoing wave of arrests and security pressure, alongside a statement by the Supreme Council of the Iranian Medical System on the safety of medical staff; and, at the security-political level, the publication of remarks by a lawmaker regarding a decision to pursue “armed intervention” by government forces.

Ongoing Disruptions in Communications and Internet Services; Sustained Decline in Traffic and Continued Widespread Outages

Reports from day thirty-nine indicate that internet and communications disruptions continue, with a significant number of users reporting chronic slow speeds, frequent disconnections, and difficulty accessing online services. At the same time, data published by Kentik shows that Iran’s internet traffic remains approximately 50 percent below pre-shutdown levels. This situation is consistent with field reports from users describing unstable connections and disruptions to public services.

In response to the persistence of these conditions, Behzad Akbari, a deputy at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, stated that the internet “has not yet returned to normal conditions” and described the ongoing disruptions as “beyond the authority of the Ministry of Communications.” He also rejected claims regarding a “change in internet architecture,” “tiered internet access,” and “whitelisting,” calling them “baseless.”

Overall, reports from day thirty-nine indicate that communications disruptions remain one of the most pressing daily concerns for citizens and businesses alike, while the return of the internet to a stable and reliable state continues to be surrounded by uncertainty.

Artists Distance Themselves from the Fajr Film Festival

On day thirty-nine, the Fajr Film Festival remained under the shadow of nationwide protests and social backlash, with a series of controversies turning the event into one of the most prominent cultural stories of the day.

One of the main controversies involved Ali Nassirian, who objected to the use of his image on the festival’s poster. He stated that his image had been used without his knowledge, adding that had he been informed in advance, he would have opposed it. Following this, Parviz Parastui shared a message attributed to Nassirian, in which he spoke of the “devastating blow” inflicted on the people and expressed solidarity with grieving families, a message that received widespread attention.

Protest reactions from other cultural figures also continued. Elnaz Shakerdoost, in a public statement, said that in a land that “smells of blood,” she would neither take part in celebrations nor perform roles.

Overall, reports from day thirty-nine indicate that beyond film screenings, the Fajr Film Festival has increasingly become a platform for public dissent and explicit political positioning, with its atmosphere widely described as tense and highly contentious.

Ongoing Arrests and Other Security Measures; From Scattered Detentions to Judicial Cases

HRANA reports indicate the continued arrests and security measures in various cities. In one report, the arrest of 17 citizens was documented across multiple locations, including Saeed Javanbakht, a student in Shiraz; and in Tehran, Tara Davoudi, Kimia Davoudi, and Saeed Piri. In Ilam Province, numerous individuals were listed among those arrested: Mohammad Zeynivand, Mehdi Kasaei, Meraj Shirkhani, Behzad Valibeigi, Mohammad-Hossein Baralk, Farzad Moradi, Behrouz Valibeigi, Mohammad-Amin Safari, Farshad Aieni, Hamid Larti, Sohrab Alidousti, Hamed Nazarian, and Nima Khorki.

In another report, HRANA documented the continued detention and lack of information regarding the whereabouts of three women in Tehran: Niousha Nakhai and Mona Nakhai, two sisters arrested on 15 January, and Mona Norouzi, who was arrested on 19 January.

HRANA has also reported that, as part of a mass case, 265 citizens were arrested in Bandar Anzali and Langarud. According to the report, 263 individuals were detained in Bandar Anzali and two individuals in Langarud.

In addition, HRANA reported the arrest of nine citizens in various cities: Fariborz Sadeghi, Moslem Seidi, Mehdi Ghaderi, Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani, Ahmadreza Bakhtar, Amir Mohammad Sarhadi, Pouria Mirzaei, Mohammad Mohammadian, and Ali Gilani, who were detained in cities including Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Kerman.

Regarding the condition of detained protesters, Heshmatollah Tabarzadi, in a message from Isfahan Central Prison, warned of “horrifying” conditions faced by a number of detainees, stating that some are being held without access to medical treatment, despite suffering from gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries.

Statement by the Supreme Council of the Iranian Medical System

Today, the Supreme Council of the Iranian Medical System issued a statement calling for the protection and safety of healthcare workers, warning against threats and pressures that could disrupt the delivery of medical treatment. The statement was released amid simultaneous reports of growing concern among medical staff and obstacles to providing care to those injured during the protests.

Remarks by Esmail Kowsari on a “Supreme National Security Council Decision” to Launch an Armed Crackdown

On day thirty-nine, Esmail Kowsari, Tehran’s representative in parliament, said in an interview with Rouydad24, referring to what he described as a “national revolution against the Islamic Republic,” that:

“Until Friday night, January 7, and even into Friday morning, the Law Enforcement Command did not use weapons. However, after the expansion of attacks, the Supreme National Security Council decided that the Law Enforcement Command, the Basij, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would enter the scene in an armed manner.”

He added:
“This decision was made to neutralize the situation, and ultimately this mission was carried out successfully.”

Kowsari, a former commander of the IRGC, further stated:

“This was a coup-like movement intended to be brought to fruition, but by the grace of God and through the efforts of the Anonymous Soldiers of the Imam of the Age, the Law Enforcement Command, the Basij, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, this plot was completely neutralized.”

Updated Cumulative Statistics Through the End of Day Thirty-Nine of the Protests

• Total recorded protest-related incidents: 674

• Number of cities (no repetition): 210

• Number of provinces (no repetition): 31

• Civilian injuries: 11,021

• Total arrests: 50,842

• Student arrests: 109

• Forced confessions: 307

• Summonses: 11,046

• Total protesters killed: 6,445

▪️ Including children: 164
▪️ Military / government-affiliated personnel: 214
▪️ Civilian non-protesters: 60

• Total confirmed deaths: 6,883

• Cases under review: 11,280

Summary

Day thirty-nine was marked by the continued disruption of internet services and a sustained, significant decline in network traffic, while relevant authorities have not confirmed a return to normal internet conditions. At the same time, the Fajr Film Festival remained in the spotlight due to public reactions and explicit positions taken by cultural figures.

In the security sphere, HRANA reports indicate the continuation of both scattered and mass arrests, along with ongoing lack of information regarding the whereabouts of some detainees. A statement by the Supreme Council of the Iranian Medical System also emphasized the need to ensure the safety of healthcare workers.

Finally, remarks by Esmail Kowsari regarding a decision for “armed intervention” by the Law Enforcement Command, the Basij, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps emerged as one of the most significant statements of day thirty-nine, drawing widespread attention and reaction.

Security Forces Search Homes of 11 Baha’i Citizens in Borujerd and Aligudarz, Seal 5 Businesses

Posted on by . .
News, Religious Minorities
Aligudarz, Bahais, Borujerd, HRANA

HRANA – On Monday, security agents searched the homes of six Baha’i citizens in Borujerd and sealed the workplaces of three of them. At the same time, the homes of five Baha’i citizens in Aligudarz were searched, and the workplaces of two individuals were sealed. During the searches, some religious items and personal belongings, including mobile phones and identity documents, were confiscated.

Based on information received by HRANA, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the family homes of six Baha’i citizens in Borujerd County were searched, and the businesses of three of them were sealed. Simultaneously, the family homes of five Baha’i citizens in Aligudarz were searched by agents of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, and the workplace of one of them was sealed. In addition, a commercial unit belonging to a non-Baha’i citizen, where one of the Baha’i individuals was employed, was also sealed in Aligudarz.

According to an informed source, during the searches, security agents confiscated religious materials and personal belongings, including mobile phones, valuable items such as gold and cash, bank cards, birth certificates, national ID cards, passports, laptops, computer cases, and other digital devices. Security agents also told the Baha’i citizens in Aligudarz that they would return to their homes again, and threatened that judicial rulings would be issued against them and their property would be confiscated.

One of the homes in Borujerd was searched while the residents were not present, and agents entered the house by breaking down the door.

Further details, including the identities of these citizens, are under investigation by HRANA.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority. HRA’s annual report indicates that, over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities were related to violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Nationwide January Protests: Arrest of 265 Individuals in Bandar Anzali and Langarud

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Bandar-Anzali, Langarud

HRANA – At least 263 citizens in Bandar Anzali and two citizens in Langarud were arrested by security forces in connection with the January 2026 protests.

According to IRNA, the police commander of Bandar Anzali County announced the identification and arrest of 263 citizens in relation to the protests. Amir Vahabzadeh described those arrested as “individuals linked to unrest, leaders, and agents of destruction, incitement, and disorder.”

Based on this report, the police commander of Langarud County also announced the arrest of two citizens in connection with protests in the city. Arsalan Sobh Zahedi claimed that “two citizens, aged 45 and 40, were referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings.”

This law enforcement official did not provide any information regarding the identities or places of detention of those arrested.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on 28 December. After two days, they expanded beyond marketplaces and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations of recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the thirty-eighth day since the start of the protests.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Report on the Arrest of 17 Citizens in Various Cities

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Abdanan, Narmak, Tehran

HRANA – In connection to the nationwide protests, security forces arrested 17 individuals in various cities.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, one citizen was arrested in Tehran. His identity was reported as Saeed Piri, a resident of Abdanan County. Based on this report, Mr. Piri was arrested on January 7 in Tehran’s Narmak district by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

Kurdpa also reported in a separate account the arrest of 13 other citizens in various cities of Ilam Province. According to this report:

• Farzad Moradi on January 8 in Abdanan;

• Mehdi Kasaei on January 9 in Ilam;

• Meraj Shirkhani on January 9 in Ilam;

• Hamed Nazarian on January 10 in Ilam;

• Nima Khorki on January 10 in Ilam, all by security forces.

• Hamid Larti on January 15 in Ilam;

• Mohammad Zeynivand was arrested on January 16 in Darreh Shahr;

• Sohrab Alidousti on January 24 in Karzan;

• Mohammad-Hossein Baralk on January 25 in Lumar;

• Behrouz Valibeigi on January 30 in Lumar;

• Behzad Valibeigi on February 2 in Lumar;

• Mohammad-Amin Safari on February 2 in Abdanan;

• Farshad Aieni on February 3 in Dehloran;

Among these citizens, Mr. Khorki has been transferred to Ilam Prison, while no information is available regarding the place of detention of the other 12 individuals.

The Telegram channel United Students reported that Saeed Javanbakht, a student at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences originally from Yasuj, was arrested by security forces. His arrest occurred during the January protests due to providing assistance to injured individuals. The report did not specify the date of his arrest.

The Telegram channel Amirkabir Newsletter also reported the arrest of two sisters, Tara Davoudi and Kimia Davoudi, by security forces. According to the report, the two sisters were arrested on 14 January in Tehran and were subjected to beatings at the time of arrest. Since their detention, no information has been obtained regarding their whereabouts.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the charges brought against these 17 citizens.

Among them, Farshad Aieni had previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on 28 December. After two days, they expanded beyond marketplaces and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations of recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the thirty-eighth day since the start of the protests.

Day 38 of Nationwide Protests: Continued Student Gatherings, Arrests, and Internet Disruptions

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmadreza Afshari-Nejad, Ali Ebrahimi, Amirhossein Mohammadi, HRANA, irgc, Mohammad Saedi-Nia, Sahand Taheri, Somayeh Heidari

HRANA – Based on the latest aggregated data up to the end of the 38th day since the start of the protests, the total number of deaths confirmed by HRANA has reached 6,872. According to these figures, 6,443 of those killed have been recorded as protesters, while 156 are listed under children under the age of 18. In addition, 214 members of government-affiliated forces and 59 individuals categorized as civilian non-protesters have been reported. 11,280 cases remain under investigation.

During the same period, the number of injured civilians reached 11,021, the total number of arrests rose to 50,553, student arrests stood at 109 cases, recorded instances of forced confessions totaled 307, and 11,046 summonses were issued. Moreover, a total of 673 protest-related incidents were documented across 210 cities in 31 provinces.

The major developments today surrounding the protests and their suppression include: the continuation of student gatherings; the persistence of arrests and security crackdowns in various cities; ongoing disruptions and instability in internet access and communications; and speeding up judicial cases against protesters. At the same time, newly imposed sanctions by Australia and statements by French officials further highlighted the international dimension of these developments.

Student Gatherings

Reports indicate the continued persistence of student gatherings and activism in recent days. In Tabriz, received videos show a group of medical sciences students holding a gathering on campus, where they commemorated those killed by displaying their photos and holding a memorial ceremony. At the same time, reports have also emerged of similar gatherings and events taking place in Mashhad and Shiraz.

Alongside these gatherings, security pressure on university environments has continued, and the arrest of students remains one of the main focal points of reports. According to the aggregated statistics on the 38th day, 109 cases of student arrests have been recorded. Four students arrested in Tabriz, Somayeh Heidari, Ali Ebrahimi, Sahand Taheri, and Amirhossein Mohammadi, have been reported as the latest examples of student arrests in Iran. Additionally, another report has been published regarding the arrest of Ahmadreza Afshari-Nejad, a final-semester student at the Tabriz Islamic Art University, who is reportedly being held in Tabriz Prison following his arrest.

Ongoing Problems in Communications and Internet Access

Despite official announcements claiming that internet access has been restored after weeks of shutdowns and widespread restrictions, field reports indicate that users’ access remains unstable and unpredictable. According to published accounts, filtered messaging apps become stuck in an “updating” state, VPNs function only for a few minutes before shutting down without warning, and even in the same fixed location and on a single mobile operator, users report differing experiences. The prevailing description is that the internet has neither returned to normal nor been completely cut off; rather, it exists in a “wearing” and unstable condition.

Technically, this situation is attributed to a shift in the filtering model, which relies less on nationwide shutdowns or direct IP blocking and more on identifying traffic patterns and protocol types. In this context, some reports suggest that the network is entering a “new architecture,” while Cloudflare’s analytical data also points to signs of structural changes in the filtering pattern.

Intensified Judicial Measures: Expedited Proceedings and Asset Seizures

Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, Head of the Supreme Court, announced that the cases of those arrested during the protests would be reviewed on an expedited basis due to their “sensitivity and national nature,” and adjudicated in strict accordance with the exact text of the law. Similar statements by other judicial officials, emphasizing accelerated proceedings and the issuance of harsh sentences, have, according to observers, heightened concerns about compliance with fair trial standards.

Separately, Ali-Asghar Jahangir, spokesperson for Iran’s Judiciary, referred to the case of Mohammad Saedi-Nia (a businessman and entrepreneur), stating that a detention order had been issued against him due to his “official support for protesters,” and that orders had also been given to seize his assets. He added that if the court determines that the actions attributed to him resulted in damages, compensation would be paid from his confiscated property. Taken together, these positions convey a clear message from judicial authorities of continued pursuit and strictness in protest-related cases.

In the education sector, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education announced that all school students arrested during the protests have been released, while simultaneously noting that he does not have precise information on the exact number of these students. He also reported the deaths of a number of students and teachers, without providing specific figures.

International Pressure: Australian Sanctions and a Statement by a Senior French Official

On the international front, Australia announced the imposition of new targeted sanctions in response to widespread repression and the violent use of force against civilians. According to the published statement, 20 individuals have been placed on the sanctions list. Their names are: Mohammad Sadeghi, Mohammad Salah Jokar, Hassan Shahvarpour, Gholamhossein Mohammadi Asl, Rahim Jahanbakhsh, Abbasali Mohammadian, Ali Saeedi, Abdollah Araqi, Ali Fazeli, Ahmadreza Radan, Mohammadreza Fallahzadeh, Mohsen Chizari, Alireza Fadkar, Majid Mousavi, Seyed Aminollah Emami Tabatabaei, Ali-Asghar Norouzi, Hassan Sabourinejad, Javad Ghaffarhaddadi, Yahya Hosseini Panjaki, and Esmail Khatib. In addition, three entities have also been sanctioned: the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the IRGC Cyber Defense Command, and Unit 840 of the IRGC Quds Force.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, referring to the “violent” suppression of protesters, told officials of the Islamic Republic that the people must be respected in light of recent events. At the same time, he emphasized the need to return to dialogue on issues related to nuclear matters, missiles, and regional stability.

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics up to the End of Day 38 Since the Start of the Protests

• Total recorded protest-related incidents: 673

• Number of cities (no duplicates): 210

• Number of provinces (no duplicates): 31

• Injured civilians: 11,021

• Total arrests: 50,553

• Student arrests: 109

• Forced confessions: 307

• Summonses: 11,046

• Total protesters killed: 6,443

▪️ Including children: 156
▪️ Military/government-affiliated forces: 214
▪️ Civilian non-protesters: 59

• Total deaths: 6,872

• Cases under investigation: 11,280

Summary

Day 38 passed amid the continuation of student gatherings and memorial ceremonies in several cities, while arrests, ranging from teenagers and students to ordinary citizens in various locations, were simultaneously reported. Alongside this, announcements of mass arrests in some areas presented a harsher picture of the security approach. In the communications sphere, an internet described as “connected but unreliable” became a persistent source of public frustration, with reports pointing to structural changes in the filtering model. Regarding judicial confrontations against protesters, the emphasis on expedited proceedings and asset seizure orders, alongside official narratives on protest-related cases, indicated an intensification of the judicial crackdown. At the same time, new sanctions imposed by Australia and statements by a senior French official further underscored the international dimension of pressure on the Iranian government.

At Least 282 Arrested in Connection with Nationwide Protests

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmad Negahban, Anzali, Bam, IRIB, Karaj, Parand, Yazd

HRANA – Official media outlets have reported the arrest of at least 282 individuals in the cities of Karaj, Anzali, Bam, Parand, and Yazd Province in connection with the recent protests. This figure includes the arrest of eight people in Karaj, Anzali, and Bam; 135 people in Parand; and 139 foreign nationals in Yazd Province.

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the police commander of Alborz Province claimed that those arrested were involved in setting fire to a police kiosk and the municipal building of District One in Karaj. The police commander of Anzali County also announced the arrest of two individuals, alleging that they had played a role in setting fire to a chain store. Additionally, the police commander of Bam County stated that one individual, described as a “leader,” had been identified and arrested by the Public Security Police.

Separately, the Tasnim News Agency, quoting the Public Relations Office of the Haidar Guards Corps in Parand, reported that 135 people were arrested during the recent protests in the city. In a statement issued by the organization, the detainees were accused of “destruction of public property and insulting national and religious sanctities.”

In another report, Tasnim announced the arrest of 139 foreign nationals in Yazd Province. Ahmad Negahban, the police commander of Yazd Province, claimed that these individuals had taken advantage of the “existing social atmosphere” to play a role in organizing and directing the protests and, in some cases, had connections with networks outside the country.

These reports do not provide information regarding the identities, places of detention, or legal status of those arrested.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on December 28, 2025, After two days, the protests spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations turned into one of the most widespread protests of recent years. Following the crackdown on the protests by security and law enforcement forces, thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the thirty-seventh day since the start of the protests.

Execution of 15 Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
ahvaz, Bam, Birjand, Borazjan, executions, HRANA, Ilam, Jiroft, Khaf, Lahijan, Mahabad, Malayer, Rasht, Sabzevar, Shiraz, Sirjan, Yazd

HRANA – At dawn today, February 3, the death sentences of 15 prisoners, previously convicted on charges related to drug offenses and murder, were carried out in the prisons of Sirjan, Rasht, Yazd, Ahvaz, Jiroft, Borazjan, Ilam, Khaf, Bam, Birjand, Lahijan, Mahabad, Sabzevar, Shiraz, and Malayer.

Based on information received by HRANA, Saeed Rouhani was executed in Sirjan Prison; Ayoub Lashkari in Rasht Prison; Bahram Bani Asad in Ahvaz Prison; Hedayat Mirzaei in Borazjan Prison; Afshin Maleki in Ilam Prison; Tahmasb Mehrjou in Khaf Prison; Ali Haghighatdoost in Lahijan Prison; Hirman Sadri in Mahabad Prison; and Majid Sohrabi in Malayer Prison. These individuals had been sentenced to death on charges of murder, and their sentences were carried out.

Additionally, Kourosh Niri in Yazd Prison, Eshaq Miri in Jiroft Prison, one prisoner in Bam Prison, Moradbeyg Haghighat in Birjand Prison, Pouya Lashani in Sabzevar Prison, and Khalil Hemmati in Shiraz Prison were executed on charges related to drug offenses.

Further details, including the identity of the prisoner executed in Bam Prison, are currently under investigation by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not been officially announced by prison authorities or the relevant institutions.

According to HRA’s annual report, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026. Based on this report, the implementation of death sentences increased by 119% compared to 2024. In many of these executions, due to secrecy, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Nationwide Protests: 247 Citizens Arrested in Various Cities

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Bojnurd, Bojnurd Prison, iran protests, Mahmoud Heydarian, nationwide protests

HRANA – The General Directorate of Intelligence of Yazd and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces, in two separate statements, announced the arrest of 188 and 85 citizens respectively in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Heydarian, an art teacher at schools in Bojnord, was arrested on January 10 during nationwide protests in the city of Ashkhaneh and has recently been transferred to Bojnord Prison.

According to Etemad Online, the Intelligence Department of Yazd Province announced that so far 188 individuals identified as the main activists in the January protests, more than 70 of whom were described as “street leaders and primary saboteurs involved in setting fire to public places and government offices”—have been identified, arrested, and had judicial cases opened against them.

According to Nournnews, in a separate report, the General Directorate of Intelligence of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province also announced the identification and arrest of more than 85 citizens in connection with the nationwide January protests. In a statement, this security body described these individuals as leaders of the protests in the province.

Additionally, in another report, the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations announced that Mahmoud Heydarian, an art teacher in Bojnurd, was arrested by Intelligence Ministry agents at his home in the city of Ashkhaneh around midnight on January 10, during the nationwide protests. According to the council, after undergoing interrogation at the provincial intelligence office, he was transferred to Bojnurd Prison.