HRANA– In this statement, HRA strongly condemns the use of lethal force against protesters across Iran, warning that the ongoing nationwide internet blackout is being used to conceal grave human rights violations and hinder accountability.

Read the full statement here:

Human Rights Activists in Iran is gravely alarmed by escalating violence against protesters across Iran amid the government’s blanket internet shutdown. Nationwide protests began on December 28, 2025, and as of the morning of January 13, 2026,  HRA has independently confirmed 1,850 protester deaths, including 9 children, and more than 16,700 arrests. An additional 770 deaths are under investigation. HRA maintains that these numbers are likely much higher, given ongoing internet and communication blockages. These rapidly escalating numbers are particularly concerning as Iran’s head of police has called for increased control over protests.

Reports indicate the use of extreme and increasingly lethal tactics against protesters, including the deployment of military-grade firearms, pellet/shotgun-style weapons, and close-range shootings, violating the right to life under international law.

The use of lethal force is never a lawful tool to disperse protesters or suppress dissent. Under international human rights standards, law enforcement must prioritize all non-violent means to control crowds or stop a threat, even if civil unrest turns violent. Any use of force by law enforcement must be strictly necessary and proportionate.

All credible allegations of unlawful killings and other excessive or arbitrary use of force require prompt, independent, and effective investigation, and those responsible must be held accountable.

HRA is also deeply concerned by the intentional nationwide internet shutdown, imposed on the thirteenth day of protests, which facilitates impunity for the continued excessive use of force against protesters. The blackout obstructs the ability to organize peacefully, to access life-saving information and emergency services, the ability of families to locate loved ones, and the capacity to independently document and verify abuses. It also violates fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and peaceful assembly.

HRA calls on Iranian authorities to:

1. 1. Immediately end the use of lethal force against protesters and bystanders, including the use of firearms, pellet weapons, and close-range shooting.
2. 2. Issue clear public orders to all security and law enforcement units requiring compliance with international standards on the use of force, including protection of minors
3. 3. Ensure safe access to medical care for the injured and cease harassment or targeting of medical personnel, volunteers, and first responders, and individuals seeking medical care as a result of protest-related injury.
4. 4. Restore full internet access and cease all network disruptions or blackouts.

HRA calls on the international community to:

1. 1. Publicly condemn the use of lethal force against protesters and the nationwide internet shutdown, and reaffirm that such actions violate Iran’s obligations under international human rights law.
2. 2. Press Iranian authorities to immediately cease the unlawful use of force, restore full internet access, and ensure compliance with international standards governing law enforcement conduct, including the protection of children.
3. 3. Support independent, impartial, and effective investigations into all credible allegations of unlawful killings, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and other serious human rights violations, including through international mechanisms where domestic remedies are ineffective.
4. 4. Take steps to support accountability efforts, consistent with international law, for individuals and entities responsible for grave human rights violations, to combat impunity and deter further abuses.
5. 5. Strengthen international monitoring and reporting, including by relevant UN human rights mechanisms, to document violations arising from the protests and the internet blackout and to report publicly on developments.
6. 6. Support the protection of civilians, including journalists, human rights defenders, medical personnel, volunteers, and first responders, and call for unhindered access to medical care for those injured during protests.

HRA will continue to document violations, verify identities, and incidents to the highest possible standard under current constraints, and will continue to share updates as information becomes verifiable.