Tag: irgc

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

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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.

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

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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.

Day Thirty-Four of the Protests: New Sanctions and Forced Confessions

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irgc, Keir Starmer, Netblocks, Roozbeh Sajjadi Hosseini, Skylar Thompson, Valerie Gabar

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest aggregated data on the thirty-fourth day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,563. Of these, 6,170 were protesters, 124 were children under the age of 18, 214 were forces affiliated with the government, and 55 were non-protesting civilians. 17,091 cases remain under review.
The number of injured civilians stands at 11,021, total arrests at 49,070, student arrests at 80, reported cases of forced confessions at 289, and summonses by security institutions at 11,027. In addition, a total of 660 protest-related incidents have been recorded across 203 cities in 31 provinces.

Today was marked by two key developments: the continuation of international reactions and actions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and individuals linked to the apparatus of repression, including new U.S. sanctions packages and official responses to the European Union’s decision on the designation of the IRGC; and the persistence of the domestic crackdown, reflected in individual and mass arrests, judicial case-building, reports of forced confessions, and ongoing disruptions to internet access and communications.

Reactions to the designation of the IRGC and U.S. sanctions

Following the European Union’s decision to designate IRGC as a Terrorist organization, Iranian officials and some foreign governments voiced new reactions. Mostafa Pourmohammadi, an official of the Islamic Republic, described the move as “political” and said that the IRGC’s role in recent events had been exaggerated by foreign parties only “later.” At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took a sharp stance in response to the decision, saying that the European Union is “in decline”, remarks made amid growing international pressure on the IRGC and cases related to human rights violations.

On the other side, some foreign officials welcomed the European Union’s decision. Anita Anand, a senior Canadian official, supported the move and described it as a step toward accountability regarding the IRGC’s role in developments in Iran. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of London’s cooperation with allies to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and condemned the crackdown on protesters in Iran.

Alongside these reactions, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a new package of sanctions. The published list includes Eskandar Momeni (Interior Minister), Majid Khademi (head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization), Babak Zanjani, and several IRGC commanders. The sanctions were announced as Donald Trump also spoke about increasing pressure on Tehran, including claims that he had set a “deadline” for Iran, known “only to themselves”, and that U.S. naval forces were moving toward Iran. In another part of his remarks, he alleged that a large number of executions had been planned and that, following his warning, a “retreat” had taken place.

Internet shutdowns and the continuation of disruptions to communications

While reports have emerged of limited internet restoration in some areas, data from internet monitoring organizations indicate that disruptions to communications remain widespread and persistent. According to assessments by NetBlocks, even during periods when full shutdowns have eased, users’ access to the internet has remained “severely limited,” with filtering and degraded connection quality continuing. This situation has resulted in messaging apps, social media platforms, and basic online services being intermittently available or accessible only with significant slowness.

Additionally, HRANA has received reports of efforts by the authorities to influence the flow of information. According to one report, the Iranian government has uploaded more than 10,000 images and videos to a public online platform in an attempt to steer the documentation of the protests, an allegation framed in the report as part of a narrative war and efforts to control accounts related to the protests.

Alongside these developments, another report from the academic sphere indicates that communication restrictions and the prevailing security atmosphere have also cast a shadow over civic actions. According to this report, students at more than 30 universities have issued a call to boycott nationwide examinations. Taken together, these data suggest that the internet disruption has not been merely a “temporary shutdown,” but has continued as a form of “sustained interference” in public communications, affecting both public access to news and information, and the ability to communicate, coordinate, and document events.

Arrests and Crackdowns

Amid the prevailing security atmosphere, numerous reports have emerged of mass arrests, judicial case-building, and repressive acts in various cities.

One report announced the arrest of 14 citizens in several cities, noting that some of those detained were later released. Another report documented the arrest of at least 140 individuals in multiple cities in a single day. That same report also referred to the release of a video containing the “forced confessions” of six people, an issue that human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized in recent years as an example of security pressure and opaque judicial processes.

New figures have also been obtained regarding judicial crackdowns in Kerman Province. According to one report, 106 indictments have been issued in the province, and 20 individuals remain in detention. These figures indicate that judicial proceedings in some areas have moved forward rapidly, while at the same time a number of defendants continue to be held in custody.

In the cultural and artistic sphere, one arrest attracted particular attention. According to published reports, Roozbeh Sajjadi Hosseini, an assistant director, was arrested and transferred to Fashafuyeh Prison. This case, alongside other reports of protest-related arrests, shows that the scope of the crackdown has extended to various sectors of society.

There have been conflicting reports regarding pressure and threats against medical staff and emergency responders. On the one hand, news emerged of the arrest of “a number of doctors” during the protests. On the other hand, the head of Iran’s Medical Council Organization claimed that “no physician has been arrested for treating protesters.” At the same time, reports have pointed to an increasingly unsafe environment for medical care: the World Health Organization has confirmed an attack on a hospital, reported damage to several medical centers, and noted injuries to rescue workers. In a video released from the protests, it is also alleged that government forces targeted ambulances and emergency responders.

Taken together, these accounts present a picture of the continued arrests and crackdowns, from pressure on families and scattered and mass arrests, to broader judicial case-building and serious challenges to emergency response efforts and the security of medical facilities.

University of Essex Meeting

Today, a meeting titled “Pursuing Accountability for Serious Human Rights Violations and International Crimes Implicating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),” was held at the University of Essex in Colchester, the United Kingdom. According to the published report, the event was attended by academic audiences and human rights activists and aimed to examine legal pathways and practical mechanisms for holding perpetrators of human rights violations accountable.

The panel was moderated by Matthew Gillett. During the session, Skylar Thompson from HRA introduced the Pasdaran Documentation Project and explained the function of its database and the role of data in legal accountability efforts. Valerie Gabar from the organization UpRights also spoke about available legal avenues, the possibility of using international mechanisms, and the practical challenges involved in cases related to the IRGC.

According to the report, discussions focused on how accurate and reliable documentation can serve as the foundation for legal case-building, from data collection and identifying patterns of human rights violations to transforming such information into actionable cases within international frameworks. The meeting was held amid a political and diplomatic climate in which debates over the IRGC’s role in developments in Iran, as well as international responses, including the European Union’s decision and new U.S. sanctions, have become increasingly prominent.

Updated (aggregated) statistics through the end of Day Thirty-Four since the start of the protests

• Total number of locations/incidents in cities: 660
• Number of cities (non-duplicated): 203
• Number of provinces (non-duplicated): 31

• Total arrests: 49,070
• Injured civilians: 11,021
• Student arrests: 80
• Forced confessions: 289
• Summonses: 11,027

• Total protesters killed: 6,170
  ▪️ Including children: 124
  ▪️ Military/government forces: 214
  ▪️ Non-civilian, non-protesters: 55
• Total deaths: 6,563
• Cases under review: 17,091

Summary

Day thirty-four concluded amid simultaneous international pressure on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and key figures linked to the crackdown, pursued along multiple tracks. On the one hand, official reactions to the European Union’s decision regarding the designation of the IRGC continued in political and diplomatic arenas. On the other, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting specific officials, including the Interior Minister, the head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization, an economic figure, and several IRGC commanders. Within this context, statements by U.S. officials about intensifying pressure on Iran were also echoed, adding to external tensions surrounding Iran-related developments.

University of Essex Human Rights Centre Hosts Event on Pursuing Accountability for IRGC Violations

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HRANA, irgc, Skylar Thompson

HRANA- In Colchester, UK, The University of Essex hosted a private lecture on Friday, January 30, 2026, examining pathways to accountability for serious human rights violations and alleged international crimes attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and in light of ongoing events where it is clear the IRGC is the main perpetrator and where the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP) database has already established a preliminary assessment qualifying the IRGC as complicit in crimes against humanity. The lecture also drew on HRA’s and UpRights’ work on the Pasdaran Documentation Project and its Pathways to Accountability memo.

The event, titled “Pursuing Accountability for Serious Human Rights Violations and International Crimes Implicating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),” was held at the Colchester Campus and organized by HRA in collaboration with Essex Law School and the Human Rights Centre. It brought together legal experts, human rights practitioners, and members of the academic community to discuss documentation, legal strategies, and international mechanisms for justice.

The panel was chaired and moderated by Dr. Matthew Gillett, Senior Lecturer at the University of Essex Law School and United Nations Special Mandate Holder, serving as Vice-Chair and Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. In his opening remarks, Dr. Gillett emphasized the central role of credible, structured documentation in pursuing accountability where domestic remedies are unavailable. He noted that international legal processes increasingly depend on high-quality evidence and rigorous methodological standards.

Skylar Thompson, Deputy Director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), introduced the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP), a long-term initiative developed by HRA with legal support from the organization UpRights. Thompson explained that PDP maps the IRGC’s institutional structure, operational units, and chains of command, and links this architecture to documented incidents of human rights abuses in Iran and abroad.

According to Thompson, the project is already being used by national jurisdictions to better understand the IRGC in support of prosecutorial processes, and it is designed to support investigations, legal analysis, and informed policy responses. “Accountability requires a sustained focus on grassroots documentation at the early stage,” she said, adding that PDP seeks to transform fragmented information into an integrated framework of institutional responsibility.

Valérie Gabard, Co-Director of UpRights, addressed the legal and practical challenges of pursuing accountability in the Iranian context. She outlined how international legal avenues, such as universal jurisdiction, targeted sanctions regimes, and UN mechanisms, can be activated when supported by systematic documentation. Gabard stressed that while accountability within Iran remains unrealistic under current conditions, external legal processes offer meaningful opportunities to advance justice for victims, while also noting their inherent difficulties.

Participants raised questions about data verification and the ethical challenges of documenting abuses in highly repressive environments.

The event concluded with reflections on the long-term nature of accountability work and the need for sustained international engagement. Speakers underscored that structured documentation initiatives such as PDP can play a critical role in ensuring that allegations of abuse are preserved and made usable for future legal and policy processes.

The gathering demonstrated interest in practical, evidence-based approaches to addressing alleged international crimes linked to the IRGC and reinforced the role of universities as key spaces for advancing research, dialogue, and accountability initiatives.

Learn more about the project and read the memo at IranPDP.org

Day 33 of the Protests: EU Designates IRGC as a Terrorist Organization as Repression Persists

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Freedom of Expression, News
Eskandar Momeni, EU, HRANA, Iman Afshari, irgc, Kaja Kallas, Mohammad Movahedi Azad

HRANA – According to the latest aggregated data compiled by HRANA on the thirty-third day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 6,479. Of these, 6,092 were protesters, 118 were children under the age of 18, 214 were government-affiliated forces, and 55 were non-protester civilians. In addition, 17,091 cases remain under investigation. The number of injured civilians has been reported at 11,020, along with 281 cases of forced confessions and 11,027 summonses to security institutions. Furthermore, a total of 660 protest-related incidents have been recorded across 203 cities in 31 provinces.

Today, two parallel developments unfolded. On the one hand, external reactions and pressure, particularly in Europe, intensified, with a focus on designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and imposing human rights sanctions. On the other hand, repression continued domestically following the street phase of the protests, taking the form of ongoing arrests, the presence of security institutions in schools, and increased pressure in detention centers and medical facilities.

Designating the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization and Sanctions Packages

In recent days, the European Union has pursued pressure on Iran’s repressive apparatus through two parallel tools: placing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the list of terrorist organizations and expanding targeted human rights sanctions against individuals and entities involved in the crackdown. Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, announced that EU foreign ministers had taken a “decisive” step by designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, stressing that the repression of protesters would not go unanswered.

Simultaneously, the European Union sanctioned 15 individuals and 6 Iranian entities for their “involvement in or responsibility for human rights violations and the repression of protesters.” According to HRANA, these sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans to the European Union, and prohibitions on providing any financial or economic resources to the listed individuals and entities.

Among the announced cases are the names of several key figures and institutions. These include Eskandar Momeni (Minister of Interior), Mohammad Movahedi Azad (Prosecutor General), and Iman Afshari (judge of Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court), whom the Council of Europe has linked to roles in the “violent suppression of protests” and “arbitrary arrests.”

In the supplementary sanctions packages tied to digital repression, the Organization for the Regulation of Audio and Visual Media (SATRA), the IRGC’s Center for the Examination of Organized Crimes (Seraj Center), and the Working Group for Determining Criminal Content have also been named as entities playing a direct role in the “control, censorship, and suppression of communications and cyberspace.”

Experts believe that at the political level these measures go beyond mere “sanctions.” The formal redefinition of the IRGC as a terrorist actor in Europe carries broader implications: increasing the risks of financial and legal engagement with affiliated structures, strengthening the legal basis for accountability efforts, and at the same time raising the political cost of normalizing relations with institutions responsible for repression.

Reactions indicate that this process in Europe has moved beyond a purely “symbolic” or media-driven stance. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, voiced support for the EU’s move to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, calling it “the right decision” and emphasizing the need to “stand firm.” Meanwhile, Hadja Lahbib (EU Commissioner) referred to the decision to impose new sanctions on individuals involved in the crackdown and spoke of the European Union’s support for investigations and fact-finding mechanisms into the killing of protesters.

Repression and Arrests: Security Agents’ Presence in Schools and Harsh Situation at Mashhad Detention Centers

Despite the subsiding of the street phase of the protests, field reports indicate that arrests and prosecution continue, and in some areas have been accompanied by new waves of mass arrests. According to HRANA, at least 706 citizens were arrested over the past 24 hours in the cities of Dezful, Yazd, Borujen, Borujerd, and Nur. In addition, the Public Security Police of FARAJA reported the arrest of 327 protesters nationwide since December 28, while the General Directorate of Intelligence of Hormozgan Province announced the arrest of 65 citizens in connection with the protests.

Individual arrests by security forces follow the street-level crackdown. HRANA has reported the detention and continued lack of information regarding several detained individuals: Maedeh Dowlatabadi (21) in Urmia, who is being held in a security detention facility; as well as Farhad Jangi-Zehi (Minab) and Ehsan Nedaei-Hour (Ramsar), who were arrested on different dates and remain in custody.

At the same time, arrests among students have also continued. HRANA has reported the detention of Amin Norouzi and Ilya Bakhshaie (two students in Yazd), as well as Yousef Yousefi, a student at Kharazmi University of Technology in Tehran, during the protests.

One indicator of the continuation of repression is the transfer of security pressure into schools. Reports indicate that security agents have been dispatched to schools and have spoken with students in an effort to impose the official narrative of the protests. An 18-year-old student from Bandar Abbas stated that in recent days, agents have been sent to schools and are attempting to promote the government’s official account.

Taken together, these data suggest that the policy of control has shifted from the “street” to universities, schools, and detention centers, aiming to prevent the re-emergence of protests through sustained pressure and the cultivation of lasting fear.

Crackdowns in Medical Facilities and Arrests in Hospitals

Reports related to the treatment of the injured most clearly reflect the intensity of pressure and repression, where seeking medical care can turn into a risk of arrest. According to an account from a source in Tehran, a large number of citizens with pellet-gun injuries to the eyes sought treatment at a specialized ophthalmology hospital in the city. After the protests ended, representatives from the medical sciences university and security institutions visited the hospital, extracted the names of all individuals hospitalized between January 8 and January 12, and took the information with them.

the Deputy for Nursing Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Health said that if individuals seek treatment and provide a different name, “no one conducts an inspection,” and that identity verification is only required if insurance is used, a claim that effectively acknowledges the presence of fear and the issue of identity checks, even though it does not directly reference security forces entering hospitals. Abbas Abadi, the Ministry’s Deputy for Nursing Affairs, also warned about the consequences of delayed treatment, stating that postponement can lead to wound infections and the need for complex surgeries.

At the international level, the World Health Organization announced that amid the widespread crackdown on protesters, it has confirmed an attack on a hospital in Iran and emphasized the necessity of protecting healthcare facilities and ensuring unhindered access to medical services.

Taken together, these reports indicate that the “space of medical care” has also become part of the security arena, from extracting the names of the injured to heightened fear of seeking treatment, and multiple reports of the abduction or arrest of wounded individuals.

Teachers’ Statement and the Killing of Several Educators

The Coordination Council of Teachers’ Trade Associations of Iran stated in a communiqué that, alongside references to mounting security pressures, several teachers were killed during the protests: Kamran Akbari, Karamali A‘laei, and Reza Karimi-Far (Ansari-Far).

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics Through the End of Day 33 of the Protests

• Total protest locations/incidents in cities: 660
• Number of cities (non-duplicative): 203
• Number of provinces (non-duplicative): 31

• Injured civilians: 11,020
• Arrested children, adolescents, and students: 326
• Arrested students: 70
• Forced confessions: 281
• Summonses: 11,027

• Total protesters killed: 6,092

▪️ Including children: 118
▪️ Military/government-affiliated forces: 214
▪️ Non-protester civilians: 55

• Total deaths: 6,479

• Cases under review: 17,091 cases

Summary

Day 33 of the protests was marked by the continuation of post-crackdown repression, including ongoing arrests, an expanded security presence in schools, and sustained pressure on detention centers and medical facilities. At the same time, international developments, most notably the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization and the imposition of targeted European sanctions, underscore that the repression file remains active and is entering a phase of intensified diplomatic and human rights pressure.

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Ahmad Alizadeh Arrested by IRGC Intelligence in Ilam

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Labor and Guilds, News
Abdanan, Ahmad Alizadeh, Fanuj, HRANA, irgc

HRANA – Yesterday, January 28, Ahmad Alizadeh, a high school physical education teacher in Abdanan County, was arrested by agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence in Ilam Province and transferred to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed the arrest, telling HRANA that Ahmad Alizadeh was detained on Wednesday evening, January 28, 2026, by IRGC intelligence agents without the presentation of a judicial warrant. Following his arrest, he was transferred to an unknown location and has had no contact with his family so far.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges brought against him.

In February 2025, Ahmad Alizadeh had been sent to the city of Fanuj in Sistan and Baluchestan Province to serve a two-year sentence of compulsory residence.

He was previously arrested on October 17, 2022, in connection with the nationwide protests in Abdanan, Ilam Province, by security forces, and was later released on bail.

Ahmad Alizadeh, aged approximately 53, is an employee of the Abdanan Department of Education and a high school physical education teacher with more than 29 years of work experience. He has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

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.

Day 32 of Protests: Limited Internet Access, Ongoing Arrests, and Growing International Pressure

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Freedom of Expression, News
European Parliament, iran protests, irgc

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest aggregated data on the 32nd day since the start of the protests, the total number of confirmed fatalities has reached 6,373. Of these, 5,993 were protesters, 113 were children under the age of 18, 214 were forces affiliated with the government, and 53 were non-protesters/civilians. The number of deaths currently under review has been reported as 17,091.
The total number of arrests has reached 42,486. The number of severely injured individuals stands at 11,018, the number of broadcast forced confessions has been reported as 270 cases, and 11,027 people have been summoned to security institutions. Additionally, a total of 658 protest-related incidents have been recorded across 202 cities in 31 provinces.

Current developments focus on the continuation of communication control policies, including the limited restoration of internet access, the ongoing wave of arrests, and post-crackdown pressures marked by the imposition of heavy bail requirements on detainees, alongside international reactions and emerging positions on designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

Continued Communication Restrictions; Limited Internet Restoration

On the 32nd day since the start of the protests, restrictions and security control over communications remain in place. After nearly three weeks of internet shutdown or severe disruption, data and field accounts now suggest that international internet access has been partially restored for some users. However, access patterns have not returned to “normal,” and many users continue to face heavy filtering, intermittent outages, and selective access. This situation has effectively led to the formation of a “tiered access” system, in which certain services are available only to specific groups or through limited pathways, while the majority of users experience persistent restrictions.

The economic and social consequences of these communication disruptions have also been reported. Online business operators have described a significant drop in sales and the paralysis of order processing, payment, and distribution cycles, particularly for businesses that rely primarily on social media platforms, online payment gateways, and direct customer communication. Alongside economic damage, communication shutdowns have also heightened security risks for the injured and their families. Restrictions on contact and access to information have made it more difficult to track the status of detainees, coordinate aid efforts, and even seek medical care, while further expanding an atmosphere of fear of surveillance and arrest.

International Reaction; France’s Support for Designating the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization and the Position of the European Parliament President

International reactions to the protests on this day focused on Europe’s political stance toward the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its role in the crackdown on the protests.

On one side, French officials have explicitly spoken of Paris’s support for placing the IRGC on the European Union’s list of terrorist organizations, while simultaneously emphasizing the use of sanctions tools, including travel bans and asset freezes, against those responsible for the repression. This stance has been accompanied by demands such as a halt to executions, an end to digital restrictions, and the facilitation of international fact-finding mechanisms.

On the other side, the President of the European Parliament has also adopted a clear position, describing the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization as a “historic duty” for Europe, framing it within the context of international accountability for the repression and killing of protesters. At the same time, some reports have pointed to claims of a broad consensus among EU member states on this issue. Taken together, these positions indicate that the debate over accountability and international pressure mechanisms remains at the center of attention.

Continued Arrests and Repression: Lack of Information on Detainees and Heavy Bail Requirements

Despite the end of the street phase of the protests, data from Day 32 indicate that the cycle of arrests and case-building continues, often accompanied by lack of information about detainees’ whereabouts, transfers to security detention facilities, and pressure on families. Aggregated reports from multiple cities point to group arrests of citizens, ranging from multi-defendant cases in Tehran, Qaen, and Mashhad to larger lists of detainees in various other cities. Alongside these accounts, official and semi-official reports have also referred to the arrest of dozens of individuals in several provinces and cities in connection with the nationwide protests. The practical outcome of this trend is the maintenance of a repressive, police-state atmosphere: arrests continue to be used as a tool of social control and to prevent the resurgence of protests, even after public gatherings have subsided.

Some individuals are also targeted for repression due to the performance of their professional and occupational duties. As an exmaple, reports have emerged of the arrest of a physician in Isfahan on charges related to assisting injured protesters. At the same time, narratives have surfaced regarding the risks faced by injured individuals when seeking hospital care, a situation that can disrupt treatment processes and extend fear of prosecution into the healthcare sphere. There have also been reports of arrests and summonses within the cultural community (including filmmakers), as well as increased security pressure inside prisons, indicating efforts to silence prominent social figures and suppress voices expressing solidarity and alignment with the protests.

Alongside arrests, heavy bail requirements have become one of the main pressure points on detainees’ families. Reports indicate a sharp increase in bail amounts, in some cases reaching unusually high levels by nonstandard criteria. Families face not only severe financial strain but also bureaucratic obstacles and exhausting procedures to post bail. This policy effectively serves two simultaneous functions: on the one hand, it renders temporary release impossible for many detainees; on the other, it draws families into a cycle of economic and psychological distress. Under such conditions, even when bail is formally granted, the practical possibility of release is not necessarily ensured, as posting bail, converting deeds, or having guarantees accepted is often met with multiple layers of restriction and delay.

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics Through the End of Day 32 of the Protests

• Number of recorded gatherings/protests: 658

• Number of cities involved (no duplicates): 202

• Number of provinces involved (no duplicates): 31

• Total arrests: 42,486

• Arrests of individuals under 18: 326

• Arrested students: 70

• Broadcast forced confessions: 270 cases

• Summonses to security institutions: 11,027 cases

• Severely injured individuals: 11,018

• Confirmed fatalities: 6,373

▪️ Protesters: 5,993
▪️ Children (under 18): 113
▪️ Government-affiliated forces: 214
▪️ Non-protesters/civilians: 53

• Fatalities under review: 17,091

Summary

The 32nd day since the start of the protests concluded with widespread communication controls still in place, despite a limited restoration of internet access, and with their economic and social impacts continuing. At the same time, arrests and security pressures have entered a post-crackdown phase, while heavy bail requirements have become an effective tool for wearing down families and restricting the possibility of temporary release for detainees.On the international front, new positions adopted by Europe and France regarding the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and the need for accountability indicate that the issue of repression and demands for international responsibility remain active, and increasingly intensified, at the diplomatic and media levels.

At least 759 Citizens Arrested or Summoned Nationwide

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Abdolreza Ghandehari, irgc, Mohsen Baveri

HRANA – During the nationwide protests, at least 22 citizens were arrested in the cities of Kerman, Tehran, Semnan, and Lumar in Ilam Province. Additionally, a video containing forced confessions from five of these citizens has been released, though it is unclear under what conditions the footage was recorded. Meanwhile, Abdolreza Ghandehari, a teacher, and Mohsen Baveri were arrested in recent days in the cities of Neyshabur and Abdanan. Furthermore, the IRGC Intelligence announced the arrest or summoning of at least 735 individuals across the country.

According to Mehr News Agency, two citizens were arrested in connection with the protests in Kerman. This media outlet claimed that one of them was the main figure involved in cooperation with Mossad and was arrested in Kerman by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization.

Channels close to security institutions also reported the arrest of three individuals in Semnan. According to these reports, the arrests were carried out in connection with the nationwide protests, and the detainees have been accused of cooperating with Mossad.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) also announced that 16 citizens were arrested in Tehran by agents of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility. These individuals were accused of damaging public property. The Ministry of Intelligence further claimed that “40 firearms, a number of homemade bombs, and a large quantity of alcoholic beverages” were discovered in their possession.

Separately, Tasnim News Agency, citing the IRGC Intelligence, reported that at least 735 individuals have been arrested or summoned nationwide.

The IRGC Intelligence described these arrests and summonses under charges such as “elements linked to anti-security networks and members of networks cooperating with foreign intelligence services.” The organization also claimed that 46 of these individuals were members of foreign intelligence services and alleged that 743 unauthorized military and hunting weapons were confiscated from them. This security-affiliated media outlet further reported that one citizen from Lumar in Ilam Province was arrested by security forces.

These reports have also included videos of forced confessions from five individuals, with no information available regarding the conditions under which the recordings were made.

In addition, Abdolreza Ghandehari, a teacher from Neyshabur, was arrested in that city. According to reports by a teachers’ union channel, Mr. Ghandehari was arrested on January 17 during the nationwide protests in Neyshabur. Since then, he has had no contact with his family, and no information has been obtained regarding his condition or place of detention, raising serious concerns among his family. Abdolreza Ghandehari has previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

Kurdpa News Agency also reported on the continued detention and lack of information regarding a citizen named Mohsen Baveri from Abdanan. According to this report, he was arrested on January 17 in Abdanan, and no information has since been made available about his condition. Despite the family’s follow-ups with judicial authorities, officials have refused to provide clear answers regarding his fate, further intensifying the concerns of his family and relatives.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the charges against these individuals or their place of detention.

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

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

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Freedom of Expression, News
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 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.