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Day Twenty-Six of the Protests: Government Commits Violence, Denies Responsibility, and Continues Mass Arrests

Posted on January 22, 2026January 22, 2026 by . .

HRA, HRANA, iran protests, Iran protests 2026, irgc, Netblocks

HRANA – On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, according to aggregated data compiled by HRANA, the number of confirmed fatalities has reached 5,002, while the number of deaths still under investigation has risen to 9,787. In addition, at least 7,391 people have suffered serious injuries during the protests, and the total number of arrests has increased to 26,852. These figures were recorded under circumstances in which, just one day earlier, official authorities, by citing significantly lower numbers reportedly issued by the Legal Medicine Organization, attempted to solidify the government’s official narrative regarding the killings. At the same time, the internet shutdown in Iran, now approaching its third week, has continued unabated.

Developments on the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests in Iran were shaped less by new events on the ground and more by efforts to entrench the government’s official narrative of the killings, the continued internet blackout with no clear timeline, and the escalation of international reactions and pressure. At the same time, a wider discrepancy emerged between the figures announced by the government and the data reported by independent human rights organizations.

Disruption of Communications on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, Iran’s communications situation remained in a critical and unprecedented state. The shutdown or severe disruption of internet access and digital communications, one of the central tools of control and repression, continued. According to data and reports published on this day, the internet blackout, which began on the evening of January 8, entered its third consecutive week. This situation has effectively reduced Iran’s connection to the global internet to the bare minimum, keeping the country in a state of “digital darkness.”

International internet monitoring organizations, including NetBlocks, released updated graphs showing that internet connectivity in Iran remains at its lowest level, with only very limited and tightly controlled connections available on certain domestic networks or in specific locations. These organizations emphasized that the disruption of digital communications in Iran is not a technical failure, but rather a deliberate and centralized decision by the authorities aimed at controlling the flow of information and preventing the dissemination of news about the suppression of protesters.

On the same day, uncertainty regarding when and how internet access might be restored also persisted. Official authorities, including the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, stated that there is no specific timeline for the full removal of restrictions and that any restoration of access would occur in a “gradual, localized, and issue-based” manner. These statements were widely interpreted as signaling the continuation of controlled communications policies and the ongoing filtering and blocking of foreign platforms, even if limited internet access were to resume. At the same time, reports indicated that even in cases of temporary connectivity, access to many global communication platforms and social media networks remained blocked or highly unstable.

The consequences of this situation became increasingly evident on the twenty-sixth day. The communications shutdown has severely disrupted independent documentation of events, the transfer of images and videos related to the protests and repression, and even basic communication among families. Field reports indicate that many images depicting widespread violence during the peak days of the protests have leaked out of the country only after long delays, without the ability to accurately determine the time and location of the incidents. This has not only made the work of media outlets and human rights organizations more difficult, but has also greatly reduced the possibility of independently verifying official narratives.

Domestically, the internet shutdown has also brought about extensive economic and social consequences. Businesses, especially online businesses, and internet-based services have been effectively paralyzed, and many citizens have reported being unable to carry out daily tasks or access online banking, educational, and healthcare services. Some economic and social figures warned of its long-term repercussions for the economy, public mental well-being, and public trust.

In the media sphere, the continued disruption of communications has led citizens to increasingly turn to alternative news sources, including shortwave and medium-wave radio broadcasts, a phenomenon that itself reflects a serious regression in the country’s communications infrastructure.

Overall, the twenty-sixth day of the protests passed with communications disruption continuing not merely as a temporary measure, but as a structural component of the authorities’ security strategy for managing the crisis, a strategy whose consequences include an intensification of the information vacuum, the spread of rumors, and a deepening divide between the official narrative and the lived experiences of citizens.

The Security Atmosphere Prevailing in Cities

On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, the security atmosphere across various cities in Iran was reported to remain heavy, pervasive, and deterrent. This environment relied less on overt clashes and more on preemptive control, displays of force, and the instilling of fear among the public. Field reports indicate that the visible presence of security forces, law enforcement units, and plainclothes agents in city centers, main squares, busy routes, and around sensitive sites continued noticeably, and in some areas intensified through mobile checkpoints and motorcycle patrols.

In many cities, these heightened security measures increased particularly during the late afternoon and nighttime hours, when security forces stationed themselves in streets and neighborhoods, effectively reducing the possibility of gatherings or collective movement to a minimum. Citizens have reported widespread checks, temporary vehicle stops, mobile phone inspections, and sporadic arrests, measures that, according to eyewitnesses, were less a response to specific assemblies and more preventive and intimidating in nature.

At the same time, reports emerged of increased pressure on the families of those killed and detained. In some cities, security forces reportedly visited homes or made phone calls warning families against holding memorial ceremonies, gathering, or speaking to the media. This approach is assessed as part of broader efforts to prevent the formation of new focal points of protest and to contain the social and symbolic dimensions of mourning.

The prevailing security environment has had a direct impact on citizens’ daily lives. A noticeable decline in nighttime movement, the early closure of some businesses, and widespread caution in public interactions were among the consequences highlighted in field reports.

Letter from the Human Rights Activists Addressed to the Human Rights Council on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) published a letter addressed to the United Nations Human Rights Council, seeking to draw the attention of member states to what it described as “documented and alarming patterns of repression” in Iran. The letter was released on the eve of a special session of the Human Rights Council on Iran and was intended to provide concise, documented, and up-to-date information to assist council members in their decision-making.

In the letter, HRA emphasized that the findings presented were based on verified HRANA reports and individual case documentation, and that the figures cited represent absolute minimums. The organization warned that due to the ongoing internet shutdown and severe restrictions on the free flow of information, the true scale of repression and the number of victims could exceed the available data.

The central focus of the letter was the pattern of widespread use of lethal force against unarmed protesters. The organization referred to direct gunfire at demonstrators, the deaths of citizens in the streets, and the transfer of large numbers of injured individuals to medical facilities, describing this trend as indicative of serious and systematic violations of the right to life. At the same time, the letter pointed to mass arrests during and after the protests and warned about the unknown status of thousands of detainees, as well as restrictions on their access to lawyers and family members.

Another section of the letter addressed the issue of forced confessions, describing their broadcast on state media as a violation of the principles of fair trial and human dignity. In this context, the organization stressed that such actions not only impose additional psychological pressure on detainees, but are also used as a tool to legitimize repression.

The letter also emphasized the necessity of continued independent investigations and international accountability. HRA called on member states of the Human Rights Council to respond effectively to the human rights situation in Iran based on the available documentation and to prevent impunity for those responsible for widespread human rights violations. Overall, the letter seeks to provide decision-makers at the Human Rights Council with a clear picture of what has occurred during the protests, without delving into political analysis.

Updated Statistics (Cumulative)

Based on aggregated data recorded up to the end of the twenty-sixth day of the protests:

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 633 cases

• Number of cities involved (no duplicates): 192 cities

• Number of provinces involved (no duplicates): 31 provinces

• Confirmed fatalities: 5,002 individuals

Protesters: 4,714
Children (under 18 years old): 42
Government-affiliated forces (military and civilian): 207
Non-protesters/civilians: 39

• Fatalities under investigation: 9,787 individuals

• Seriously injured: 7,391 individuals

• Total arrests: 26,852 individuals

• Broadcasts of forced confessions: 192 cases

International Reactions on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

On the twenty-sixth day of Iran’s nationwide protests, international reactions continued less in the form of new immediate actions and more through intensified political stances, statements by foreign officials, and the growing linkage between Iran’s internal situation and regional security developments. A review of coverage in international media shows that Iran was simultaneously addressed on human rights, diplomatic, and security levels on this day.

The most significant international development was a clear stance taken by the European Parliament against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to published reports, members of the European Parliament condemned the widespread repression of protesters and the nationwide internet shutdown in Iran, reiterating their position that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps should be designated as a terrorist organization. This position was expressed within official parliamentary sessions and statements, explicitly highlighting the IRGC’s role in suppressing protests, killing demonstrators, and committing widespread human rights violations.

Members of the European Parliament described the internet shutdown as part of the machinery of repression and concealment of violence, emphasizing that communications blackouts have severely limited independent documentation and accountability for those responsible for the crackdown. Some representatives called on the European Union to move beyond political statements and respond with concrete and binding measures, including targeted sanctions and legal action, in reaction to the IRGC’s role in repressing the protests.

Alongside these international meetings, statements by political leaders regarding Iran also drew attention. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, stated unequivocally that if the Islamic Republic is able to remain in power through the killing of its own citizens, it would signal the failure of the international community to effectively support the people of Iran. These remarks, which were widely circulated in public and media spaces, reflect a growing level of concern and frankness in the discourse of some political leaders regarding the repression of protests in Iran.

Overall, international reactions on the twenty-sixth day of the protests reflected not so much the adoption of immediate executive decisions, but rather the increasing political and security weight of the Iran dossier in global discourse. Clear statements by foreign leaders, the linking of Iran’s internal developments to regional security calculations, and sustained extensive media coverage indicate that the suppression of protests in Iran continues to be treated internationally as an issue that goes beyond a purely domestic crisis.

Government Responses on the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Protests

On the twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests, the Iranian government’s responses focused primarily on consolidating the official narrative of events, defending the performance of security and judicial institutions, and countering independent and international accounts. The collection of statements issued by officials on this day indicates that the authorities sought to present a unified portrayal of developments through the release of statistics, technical explanations, and security-based frameworks, while distancing themselves from responsibility for the killings and violence.

The most significant governmental stance on this day was the release and amplification of remarks by the head of the Legal Medicine Organization. Announcing what was described as a “final report,” he stated that 3,117 deaths had been recorded in the “recent incidents,” emphasizing that this figure was the result of “scientific and specialized” examinations of bodies. While he noted that women, children, the elderly, and passersby were among the victims, he simultaneously attributed the primary source of violence to what he called “terrorist elements.” The head of the organization claimed that victims had been killed using a wide range of weapons, including live ammunition, hunting rifles, pellet guns, and even bladed weapons, presenting this as evidence of the “criminal nature” of protesters and those involved in the unrest.

Continuing this narrative, government officials explicitly rejected higher figures published by media outlets and human rights organizations. Both the Legal Medicine Organization and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council dismissed reports claiming 12,000 to 20,000 deaths as “rumors” and “media distortions.” They argued that these figures stemmed from a misunderstanding of the forensic case-numbering system, which includes all unnatural deaths recorded over the course of a year and should not be attributed to the recent protests. Within this framework, officials also stated that delays in releasing official statistics were due to the need to carefully distinguish between ordinary civilians, government forces, and what they described as “armed elements.”

At the same time, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and other security officials sought to shift public attention from human casualties to the alleged “destructive and violent dimensions” of the protests by presenting lists of claimed damages. These statements referred to the damage or destruction of hundreds of ambulances, banks, fuel stations, government buildings, and police vehicles, and even included allegations of damage to educational, religious, and cultural centers. This narrative portrayed the protests not as a social movement of dissent, but as an “organized and destructive action against national security.”

Another aspect of the government’s response addressed the issue of handing over bodies and interactions with the families of those killed. The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council categorically denied that any money had been demanded from families in exchange for the return of victims’ bodies, claiming that in the few cases where burial-related fees at religious sites had been charged, orders had been issued to halt the practice and refund the amounts. These remarks were made in response to reports and testimonies alleging pressure on families and the extraction of payments for the release of bodies.

Alongside these points, the government’s security narrative on the twenty-sixth day intensified with new claims. Officials asserted that the recent protests were directed from outside the country and that “key elements” had organized and trained protesters through online platforms. It was also claimed that a significant portion of detainees had been under the influence of hallucinogenic substances or alcohol at the time of the violence, and promises were made to release “new confessions” related to these allegations. These statements reinforced a framework that denies social grievances as the root of the protests, instead presenting them as the product of “foreign conspiracy and organized unrest.”

Summary

The twenty-sixth day of nationwide protests passed with the consolidation of the government’s official narrative regarding casualty figures, the continuation of the internet shutdown with no clear horizon, and mounting international reactions and pressure. At the same time, the gap between official government statistics and independent human rights data persisted, remaining unresolved amid severe restrictions on access to information.

Reports of the Arrest of at Least 186 Citizens During Nationwide Protests

Posted on January 20, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News, Other

Abdanan, Arkavaz-e Malekshahi, Asmanabad, Farajollah Shoushtari, Holilan, irgc, Qazvin, Sabzevar, Sarableh

HRANA – IRGC Intelligence in Qazvin Province announced the arrest of 166 citizens under the label of “leaders” of the protests. In Fars Province, at least 18 protesting citizens were arrested. Meanwhile, a number of protesters in Mashhad were detained on charges of killing a security force member. Several citizens were also arrested in Ilam Province, where the provincial Intelligence Organization reported the arrest of one citizen on charges of killing the police commander of Holilan County.

According to Tasnim News Agency, a number of protesting citizens were arrested in Mashhad. The report, without specifying the identities or number of those detained, claims that these arrests were carried out on charges related to the killing of Farajollah Shoushtari during the nationwide protests in Mashhad.

Separately, the state broadcaster IRIB reported that the IRGC Intelligence in Qazvin Province had arrested 166 protesting citizens. These arrests were carried out under the designation of “agents of the main protest leaders.”

Mehr News Agency also reported the arrest of a woman in the city of Sabzevar. At the same time, a video of her forced confession was released, though it remains unclear under what conditions it was recorded.

Daneshjoo News Agency likewise aired a video reporting the arrest of a number of citizens in Fars Province. At least 18 individuals can be seen in the footage. Simultaneously, videos containing forced confessions from some of these citizens were also published.

IRIB further announced that several citizens who protested on January 8 in the cities of Sarableh, Asmanabad, Holeylan, Arkavaz-e Malekshahi, and Abdanan were arrested. The media outlet claimed that these individuals were responsible for damaging public and government property, banks, setting fire to the Friday prayer leader’s office and the main mosque of Sarableh, blocking roads, armed intimidation, and threatening shopkeepers in these cities.

In the same report, the Ilam Province Intelligence announced the arrest of one citizen on charges of killing the police commander of Holeylan County. In addition, it was claimed that several citizens in Darreh Shahr County were arrested under accusations of “links to group elements and ethnic separatists.”

None of these reports provided information regarding the identities or places of detention of the arrested citizens.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28. After two days, the scope of these actions expanded 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. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the twenty-third day of protests, published last night.

Kerman: Several Baha’i Citizens Arrested by Security Forces

Posted on January 20, 2026 by . .

News, Religious Minorities

Bahais, irgc, Kerman, Tharallah

HRANA – The Public Relations Office of the Tharallah IRGC of Kerman Province announced, in a statement, that several Baha’i citizens residing in the province have been arrested in connection with the nationwide protests.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the statement claims that these individuals had links with “operatives based in the United States and the Israeli regime” and that, as soon as what were described as “the riots” began in the country over the past week, they “formed a virtual group to coordinate and organize members and, in the form of operational teams, entered the scene of unrest and anti-security actions using various types of equipment and both cold and hot weapons.”

The statement further adds that several individuals have been arrested in Kerman, while other active and connected members have been identified and are being pursued.

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

It is also worth noting that on Monday, the Ministry of Intelligence announced in a separate statement the arrest of 12 Baha’i citizens.

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

Day Twenty-One of the Protests: Islamic Republic’s Leader Acknowledges “Thousands Killed” as Internet Shutdown Continues

Posted on January 17, 2026January 17, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

Ali Khamenei, crackdown, HRANA, iran protests, irgc

HRANA – On the twenty-first day of nationwide protests in Iran, despite the continued widespread internet blackout and intense security pressure, confirmed figures show that the total number of verified deaths has reached 3,308, with another 4,382 cases still under review. So far, 2,107 people with severe injuries have been identified, and the arrest of at least 24,266 individuals has been confirmed. On this day, the Leader of the Islamic Republic for the first time acknowledged that “several thousand people” had been killed during the protests. The release of new images from forensic medicine centers, an increase in mass arrests, and the intensification of international reactions were among today’s most significant developments.

On the twenty-first day of nationwide protests, while the widespread internet shutdown had exceeded 200 hours, international concerns and warnings over human rights violations continued to grow. At the same time, independent documentation efforts, including broad public calls for participation in recording evidence of human rights abuses, intensified.

Ongoing Communications Disruptions

The nationwide internet shutdown, which began on Thursday night, January 8, passed the 200-hour mark on the twenty-first day and continues. Although very limited and brief increases in connectivity were reported at certain points in recent hours, overall access to the global internet remains at only a few percent of normal levels.

The continuation of this situation has caused severe disruptions to citizens’ communications, independent information-sharing, and the transfer of information from inside the country. Families of those killed or detained are facing serious difficulties in following up on the status of their loved ones, and the process of collecting and verifying human rights information is encountering unprecedented delays and limitations.

Meanwhile, media outlets close to security institutions have reported the limited activation of messaging applications and what they refer to as the “national internet,” a measure that, according to these sources, aims to control communications and sever connections between networks outside the country and those inside. Nevertheless, the global internet is still reported to be cut off, and no specific timeline has been announced for the full restoration of connectivity.

International Reactions

At the international level, reactions to developments in Iran intensified on the twenty-first day. The U.S. president, in his latest remarks, stated that “the time has come to look for new leadership in Iran,” holding the Islamic Republic responsible for the country’s destruction. These comments followed his earlier remarks about the non-implementation of hundreds of death sentences in Iran.

In another development, the Argentine government designated the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and imposed sanctions on individuals linked to it. Additionally, the U.S. State Department announced financial rewards and relocation assistance for information related to the financial activities of the IRGC. The president of the European Parliament also stated that efforts to place the IRGC on the list of terrorist organizations would continue.

Government Reactions

Inside the country, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, while acknowledging that “several thousand people” were killed during the protests, described protesters and their foreign supporters as “criminals” and threatened to confront what he called “domestic and international seditionists.”

At the same time, the Tehran prosecutor denied claims about the cancellation of protesters’ executions, stating that the judiciary’s response would be “decisive, swift, and deterrent.” He added that a large number of cases had resulted in indictments and been referred to court.

On the same day, law enforcement officials also reported widespread arrests, including more than 1,500 people detained in Gilan Province.

Statistics (as of the End of Day 21)

Based on case-by-case, verified data compiled by HRANA through the end of the twenty-first day of the protests:

• Recorded protests: 621 cases

• Confirmed fatalities: 3,308 people

Protesters: 3,097

Children under 18: 22

Military and government forces: 166

Non-protesting civilians: 23

• Deaths under investigation: 4,382 cases

• Severely injured: 2,107 people

• Arrested individuals: 24,266 people

• Broadcast forced confessions: 132 cases

Note: These figures are based solely on individually verified cases. Given the internet shutdown and severe communication restrictions, the actual human toll of the ongoing protests in Iran may be significantly higher than these numbers.

Conclusion

The twenty-first day of nationwide protests in Iran was marked by the continued internet blackout, mounting evidence of the scale of the crackdown, and an unprecedented acknowledgment by the Leader of the Islamic Republic of the extent of the fatalities. At the same time, escalating international reactions and solidarity gatherings abroad, alongside the government’s continued security and judicial approach, indicate that the crisis is still on an intensifying trajectory.

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

Posted on January 10, 2026 by . .

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.

Arrest of 15 Citizens in Yasuj and Dehdasht During Protests

Posted on January 5, 2026 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

Dehdasht, HRANA, irgc, Yasuj

HRANA – During the ongoing protests, 15 citizens were arrested by security forces in the cities of Yasuj and Dehdasht and transferred to undisclosed locations.

Based on information received by HRANA, at noon today, Monday, January 5, Ali-Hassan Behamin and Hassan Emouri were arrested by security forces in Yasuj. Another citizen, Mehrdad Sha’banzadeh, was arrested in the city yesterday. On Saturday, January 3, Alireza Oveisi, Mohammadamin Rasti-Zadeh, Mohammad Mokhtari, Yashar Shahbazi, Alireza Rostami, Shahab Gholamian, and Omid Mohammadi were arrested in Yasuj. Arya Sabzpour was arrested on Friday, January 2; Ahmad Karami and Neda Gerami on Saturday, January 3; and Ebrahim Rokhshan during recent days in the same city. Ahmadreza Madani was also arrested in connection with the ongoing protests in Dehdasht County.

A knowledgeable source, while confirming the report to HRANA, stated that these arrests were carried out by law enforcement officers in connection with nationwide protests in various cities across the country. The source added that the individuals are currently being held at the IRGC Intelligence detention facility.

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, and after two days expanded beyond markets 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 eighth day of protests, published last night.

Detailed Report on the Seventh Day of Protests; Increase in the Arrest of Teenagers and Broadcast of Forced Confessions

Posted on January 3, 2026January 3, 2026 by . .

Children, Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News, Other

Ahad Ebrahim-Pour, Amirhossein Bayati, Delfan, HRANA, irgc, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar

HRANA – Protests and strikes in cities across Iran entered their seventh day today, January 3. Analysis of updated and verified data indicates that despite an intensified security climate, the expanded presence of law enforcement-security forces, and continued on-the-ground confrontations in some areas, the nationwide scope of the protests has remained extensive, with demonstrations continuing in diverse forms. Over the past seven days, protests have been recorded at least 174 locations in 60 cities across 25 provinces. During this period, at least 582 individuals were arrested, and at least 15 protesting citizens lost their lives.

Protests that initially began with strikes and trade-related gatherings continued into their seventh consecutive day, taking the form of street demonstrations, limited trade actions, and student protests at several universities. As on previous days, reports indicated that law enforcement–security forces resorted to violence, employed crowd-control measures, carried out arrests, and imposed a heightened security atmosphere in a number of cities.

Background of the Protests

The protests emerged in a context where economic pressures on broad segments of society have reached a critical stage, and clear signs of disruption in the cycle of daily livelihoods are visible. Repeated surges in exchange rates, prolonged market instability, and the continuous decline in purchasing power have darkened and rendered unpredictable the economic outlook for households and trade activists alike, turning financial insecurity into a widespread experience.

In the days leading up to the start of the protests, reports indicated that exchange rates had crossed new thresholds, alongside a downturn in the capital market and capital outflows. Analysts have interpreted this trend as a shift of liquidity toward safer markets such as gold and foreign currency, and a decline in public trust in economic policies. At the grassroots level, the consequences have included the closure or partial shutdown of trade units, increasing difficulty in sustaining small businesses, and the spread of protest and strike waves in various cities, protests rooted not in a single short-term factor, but in the long-term accumulation of livelihood pressures and the erosion of hope for improved conditions.

Geography of the Protests

Based on updated and aggregated information, at least 174 locations in Iran have witnessed protests, street gatherings, or trade strikes over the past seven days. These protests have been reported across 25 provinces, and during this period, 18 universities have also seen student protest activities.

In the past 24 hours, which constitute the seventh day of protests, protest gatherings were recorded in 12 cities across 8 provinces, including Kazerun, Malekshahi, Kermanshah, Shiraz, Mashhad, Arkavaz, Isfahan, Tehran, Hafshejan, Karaj, Shahrekord, and Fardis. Among these, two protest actions on the seventh day were reported by university communities, falling within the same 18 universities included in the cumulative seven-day statistics. Available data indicate that despite daily fluctuations in the intensity and spread of protests, universities have continued to serve as one of the focal points of dissent.

An examination of the geographic distribution of protests shows that these activities have not been limited to major metropolitan areas, but have also encompassed smaller cities and various regions of the country, reflecting the horizontal expansion of the protests and the participation of diverse social groups in this wave of demonstrations.

According to verified reports up to the time of publication, a total of 174 protests have been reported over the past seven days in 60 cities across 25 provinces. Eighteen student gatherings at 15 universities are also included in these figures.

Methods of Protest and Slogans

A review of verified videos and reports indicates that, as in previous days, the protests on the seventh day reflected a broad spectrum of demands. The slogans voiced during these gatherings ranged from livelihood and economic grievances to criticism of governance, opposition to restrictions on individual and social freedoms, and calls for justice.

In some gatherings, protests took the form of trade strikes, the closure of commercial units, or short-term street assemblies, while in others, limited and dispersed marches were reported. The repetition and prevalence of these themes across different cities indicate that the boundary between trade-related and everyday demands and political demands has become blurred, and that the ongoing protests have taken shape on the basis of accumulated, multilayered grievances.

Within the framework of its human rights mission, HRANA focuses its reporting on slogans and demands that are directly related to violations of or calls for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and citizens’ civil rights. The persistence of these demands in various parts of the country reflects the depth of public discontent and the overlap of economic, social, and political demands within the context of the ongoing protests.

Conduct of Law Enforcement-Security Forces and Details of Violence

On the seventh day of nationwide protests, published reports and videos continue to indicate the persistence of a heavy security atmosphere and the use of repressive measures by law enforcement- security forces to prevent the formation or expansion of protest gatherings. Videos released from various cities show violent confrontations, gunfire, the use of tear gas, and the arrest of protesters.

In a number of cities, reports have emerged of citizens being injured as a result of gunfire by law enforcement-security forces. In some cases, citizens have refrained from seeking medical treatment out of fear of arrest. Videos have also been published showing the violent arrest of citizens, including women protesters, in public spaces, indicating the use of physical force during arrests.

Field reports suggest that in some cities, protest gatherings have extended into symbolic spaces or main thoroughfares, prompting law enforcement-security forces to use crowd-control tools to disperse protesters. At the same time, the widespread deployment of security forces in main streets, squares, and around sensitive urban centers has been reported, with the security atmosphere intensifying in parts of these cities.

Alongside these developments, official accounts provided by local authorities regarding some of the deaths have been met with doubt by eyewitnesses and contradicted by unofficial reports. Details surrounding the circumstances of these deaths remain under review and subject to verification.

Fatalities

According to updated information from HRANA, the deaths of at least 16 people during the seven days of protests have been confirmed. Among the fatalities, at least one was a member of law enforcement-security forces, while the remaining cases involve protesting citizens.

In several instances, official narratives presented by authorities have conflicted with eyewitness accounts and unofficial information, and details regarding how these individuals lost their lives are still being investigated and verified. For example, on the evening of Friday, January 2, 2026, during popular protests in the city of Qom, one protester lost their life. While the Provincial Security Council confirmed the death of this citizen, it claimed that the individual died as a result of the explosion of fireworks they were carrying. However, eyewitnesses have challenged the official account, stating that the protester’s death occurred as a result of actions by security forces present at the scene.

Separately, the political and security deputy governor of Qom reported the death of a 17-year-old teenager from Qom during protests the previous night, claiming that the teenager was killed by gunfire from protesters.

HRANA has also been able to confirm the identities of two other protesting citizens who died as a result of violence by law enforcement–security forces: Amirhossein Bayati in Hamedan and Ahad Ebrahim-Pour in Delfan.

The agency emphasizes that due to severe restrictions on information, security pressure on families, and a closed media environment, the number of fatalities may increase or details in some cases may change. This section will be updated if new information becomes available.

Arrests and Security Pressures

Over the past seven days of protests, at least 582 protesting citizens have been arrested, although the actual number of detainees is estimated to be significantly higher.

Simultaneously with street protests by citizens, reports received by HRANA from Karaj Central Prison indicate that prisoners in Wards 15 and 16 were forcibly transferred to other wards by prison authorities, and these two wards have been designated to hold detainees from the recent protests.

Today, HRANA also received reports from Qom Prison indicating that approximately 200 detained citizens have been transferred to this facility. These individuals were arrested during the protests, and HRANA is currently investigating their identities.

Meanwhile, reports from Yasuj indicate that at least 81 people have been arrested in recent days, 70 of whom are under the age of 18 and have been transferred to the Juvenile Rehabilitation Center and Yasuj Prison. Eleven other detainees remain held in security detention facilities.

According to published information, a significant portion of those arrested are teenagers. In Sabzevar, Zahra Mahdavi, Faraz Ziaei, Meysam Zakeri, Nazanin Zahra Mousavi, Saba Mahroomi, and Houman Balashabadi, all 17 years old, were arrested and transferred to the Mashhad Juvenile Rehabilitation Center. In Izeh, Shahpour Alborzi and Hessam Mohammadi, both 16 years old, were arrested by security forces. In Yasuj, Ilya Akvanian, a 15-year-old teenager, was also arrested.

Intelligence forces of the IRGC in Isfahan arrested two teenage girls during yesterday’s protests in the city. At the same time, a video of their forced confessions was published, though it is unclear under what conditions it was recorded. In the video, the two teenagers claim they received money from an individual to participate in street protests.

As arrests continued, a number of students and citizens were detained in various cities. Majid Jamshidzadeh, an undergraduate industrial design student at Iran University of Science and Technology, was arrested in Tehran and transferred to an unknown location. Amir Mohammad Rostami, an architecture student approximately 26 years old, was arrested during protests in Nazi Abad, Tehran, and was beaten at the time of arrest. Mohammad Saebi, a former member of the University of Tehran’s student trade council, was arrested by security forces in Yazd. Amirhossein Khaleghi, a law student at Rajaee University in Qazvin, was arrested at Khayyam Square in Qazvin, and Yousef Rezaei, a petroleum engineering student in Yasuj, was also arrested in the city. No information is available regarding the location of detention or charges against these two students. In addition, Erfan Tajabadi, Erfan Abed in Sabzevar, and Pouria Keyshams, Arman Soleimani, Nemat Heydari, and Mohammad Karimi in Masjed Soleyman; Peyman Yousefi in Dezful; and Parsa Akaber in Yasuj are among other reported detainees.

In Mashhad, Mohammad Taheri Parsa; in Nahavand, Amir Mohammad Khazaei and Alireza Khazaei; in Kashmar, Reza Abdi; and in Esfarayen, Ali Ghavidel, Abbas Beidi, Arian Heydari, Issa Shakouri, Peyman Mirzaei, and Alireza Ja’fari were arrested. In Kermanshah, Sepideh Kermanshahi, Setareh Mohammadi, Sayeh Shooshtari Kermanshahi, and Reza Shooshtari were among those detained and later released on bail. In Dehloran, Reza Seifi and Ilya Ghasemi were arrested, while in Darreh Shahr, Mohammad Taha Zeynivand, Peyman Hassanvand, Amin Shokri-Pour, Shahrooz Shokri-Pour, and Esmail Zohrabi were detained. In Zahedan, Zobair Barahoui, Hanif Barahoui, Omar Gamshadzehi, Ehsan Naroui, and Abdulrahman Naroui were arrested, and in Gachsaran, Mohammad Miri was also listed among detainees.

Additionally, Soheila Hejab, a civil activist, was violently arrested in Fardis, Karaj, and transferred to Kachouei Prison. Her physical condition has been reported as poor. In Harsin, four citizens, Yousef Safari, Peyman Hosseini, Morteza Hosseini, and Ehsan Hosseini, were arrested on the evening of January 1 and transferred to the IRGC detention facility in Kermanshah. Reza Abdi, 35 years old, from Kashmar and the father of two children, was also arrested today by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the city due to his online activities.

With the identification of six additional citizens, Mohammadreza Borichi, Kian Salarnejad, Zobair Barahoui, Hanif Barahoui, Omar Gamshadzehi, Ehsan Naroui, and Abdulrahman Naroui, the number of detainees from yesterday’s protest gathering in Zahedan has risen to 10. Previously, the arrest of three others had been reported. Among them, Kian Salarnejad is a student of industry and mining engineering at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan.

In most of these cases, no information has been released regarding the detainees’ place of detention or the charges against them.

Kurdpa News Agency published the identities of 47 citizens arrested in Kermanshah and Ilam provinces. Among them are four teenagers, Fardin Hatami, Reza Khosravi, Mohammadjavad Zarei, and Abolfazl Zarei, from Moromori in Abdanan, as well as Mohammadmehdi Karami, a 17-year-old teenager arrested in Harsin. According to the report, Arshia Joushan and Omid Beiranvand were arrested in Dehloran. In the same city, Kourosh Nouri along with Alireza Salehi, Farzad Shokri, Milad Kiadi, Omid Malekmohammadi, Sharif Azad, Shayan Momeni, Amirhossein Alizadeh, Fardin Aghaei, Ali-Mohammad Heyati, Abolfazl Jamkhaneh, Sajjad Azad, Abdullah Azad, Erfan Farahmand, Alireza Rahmani, and Amirreza Rahmani were also arrested. Meanwhile, additional arrests were reported in other cities in Ilam Province, including Abolfazl Ghasemi, Sattar Zeidi, Reza Heydari, Saman Gholami, and Shayan Aslmarz in Darreh Shahr, and Rahim Sadeghi in Sarableh, who was transferred to an unknown location. In Kermanshah Province, Younes Jamshidi, Milad Shirazi, and Navid Rostami were arrested, and in Harsin, Rahman Azarang, Sajjad Kakaei, Shapour Rashidi, and Mehdi Bali were arrested along with Mohammadmehdi Karami. Later, Zahed Afshari, Yousef Kakavand, and Noureddin Mousazadeh were also arrested. In Sarpol-e Zahab, seven citizens, Mehdi Karimi, Jabbar Jamshidi, Ghaem Badri, Masoud Aghaei, Ahad Moradi, Esfandiar Sarvari, and Askar Najafi, were arrested by plainclothes security forces and transferred to unknown locations.

During the protests in Esfarayen, Ali Ghavidel, Abbas Beidi, Arian Heydari, Issa Shokouri, Nader Tavakoli, and Peyman Mirzaei were arrested by security forces on the evening of 11 Dey. It has also been reported that Alireza Jafari was arrested today in the city. Additionally, Mohsen Heydarbigy, Morad Haseli, Amin Nourmanesh, and Farhad Mohammad Rashid were arrested in Badreh County.

As part of continued responses by security institutions, the police commander of Shushtar announced the arrest of several protesters during Thursday night protests in the city, claiming that “a handgun, 12 machete blades, and a magazine blade” were seized from them. At the same time, the IRGC “Ruhollah” Public Relations Office in Markazi Province announced the arrest of two citizens by IRGC intelligence agents, alleging that they were “administrators of two hostile and riot-inciting channels.” Images published by state broadcaster IRIB show IRGC intelligence taking control of two Telegram groups and posting messages threatening members with identification and arrest.

Separately, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Chardavol announced the arrest of several citizens during last night’s protests in Sarableh, stating that others had been identified and “would be arrested today and tomorrow.” Mohammad Sohrabzadeh described these citizens as “organized elements” and claimed they had engaged in “gunfire” during the protests, without specifying their identities or number.

Meanwhile, the IRGC Abolfazl Public Relations Office in Lorestan reported the arrest of three citizens in Khorramabad, alleging that they were in contact with an overseas media outlet with the aim of “destroying public property.” The identities of the detainees were not disclosed, and a video of their forced confessions was released. Another video of a forced confession by a detained citizen was also published by media outlets close to security institutions. In the video, recorded under unclear conditions, a young man expresses regret over posting protest-related content on his personal Instagram account.

Reactions

On the seventh day of protests, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in his first remarks since the start of the new wave of nationwide protests, emphasized the need to confront what he described as “riots.” He stated that protest, in his view, is acceptable and that dialogue with protesters is possible, but added that “a rioter must be put in their place,” stressing that dialogue with “rioters” is futile. In another part of his remarks, he referred to recent protests by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants, describing the bazaar as “one of the most loyal segments to the system.” He claimed that the Islamic Republic cannot be confronted in the name of the bazaar and alleged that some individuals are exploiting the economic demands of merchants to undermine and destabilize the country. He also described sharp fluctuations in exchange rates and the devaluation of the national currency as “unnatural,” attributing them to “the enemy.”

Today, Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, warned about the escalation of confrontations by security forces against protesters in various parts of the country. She stated that signs of a growing pattern of confrontation and violence nationwide are evident. Emphasizing the need to respect citizens’ fundamental rights, she called on Iranian authorities to uphold freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly, and to refrain from using excessive force against protesters. Sato also warned that a repetition of violent crackdowns similar to those during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement could have serious consequences for the country’s civic space, stressing that citizens must be able to express peaceful protests without fear of repression.

Amnesty International also expressed serious concern over reports of protesters being killed in Iran and urged Iranian authorities to respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to refrain from using violence and unlawful lethal force against protesters.