Tag: Tehran’s Grand Bazaar

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

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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.

Conclusion

The ongoing protests, which began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, have entered their seventh day marked by expanded geographic spread, increased public participation, and an intensified security presence. The combination of livelihood and political demands, the rise in arrests, and authorities’ efforts to simultaneously manage the crisis through economic and security measures underscore the government’s heightened sensitivity to the continuation of these protests.

HRANA continues to collect, verify, and complete information related to these protests and will publish supplementary reports should the gatherings persist or expand.

 

Detailed Report on the Sixth Day of Protests: Violence by Security Forces and an Increase in the Arrest of Protesters

Protests and strikes by shopkeepers and citizens in various cities across Iran entered their sixth day today. Over the past six days, at least 113 locations across the country, in 46 cities spanning 22 provinces, have witnessed protests. During these protests, dozens of people were arrested and at least eight protesters lost their lives.
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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Amir Nodehi, Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand, Esfarayen, Fardis, Fooladshahr, Fuladshahr, Gohardasht, Hafshejan, Hamedan, HRANA, irgc, Izeh, Joneqan, Khodadad Shirvani, Kuhdasht, Mahan Khoobani, Marvdasht, Mashhad, Misagh Kooch Peydeh, Narmak, Neyshabur, Parand, Qazvin, Qom, Sabzevar, Tehran, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, Yasuj, Zahedan

HRANA – Protests and strikes by shopkeepers and citizens in various cities across Iran entered their sixth day today. Over the past six days, at least 113 locations across the country, in 46 cities spanning 22 provinces, have witnessed protests. During these protests, dozens of people were arrested and at least eight protesters lost their lives.

The widespread protests that began on Monday, December 29, with gatherings and strikes by bazaar merchants in Tehran continued today, Friday, January 2, for a sixth consecutive day. The protests have been accompanied in some cities by an intensified security presence, violence, and arrests of citizens. Demonstrations persisted in cities including Neyshabur, Sabzevar, Esfarayen, Mashhad, Hamedan, Fardis, Gohardasht, Khorramabad, Qazvin, Tehran, Fuladshahr, Zahedan, Marvdasht, Parand, Hafshejan, Joneqan, Yasuj, and Qom. Reports were also published today indicating the use of violence by security and law enforcement forces. As protests continued, the scope of arrests expanded, with reports collected of dozens of protesting citizens being detained.

Background to the Protests

The new wave of protests has emerged amid unprecedented economic pressure on various segments of society, alongside simultaneous signs of structural erosion in the country’s livelihood system. The rapid rise in foreign currency prices, chronic market instability, and the continued devaluation of the national currency have made the economic outlook extremely uncertain for citizens and trade activists.

In the days leading up to the protests, the exchange rate surpassed 140,000 tomans, while the capital market experienced a significant outflow of capital and declines in indices. According to analysts, these developments reflect a large-scale shift of capital toward lower-risk assets such as foreign currency and gold, and signal declining public confidence in economic policies. The direct consequences have included the closure or partial shutdown of trade units, the inability of small businesses to continue operating, and the expansion of protests and strikes in cities across the country.

Geography of the Protests

Based on collected information, gatherings and protests on the sixth day were reported in 17 cities across 13 provinces. Protests continued in cities including Sabzevar, Esfarayen, Neyshabur, Mashhad, Hafshejan, Joneqan, Hamedan, Fardis, Tehran, Parand, Gohardasht, Zahedan, Marvdasht, Fooladshahr, Yasuj, Qazvin, and Qom.

In Zahedan, protesting citizens took to the streets after Friday prayers and chanted protest slogans. These gatherings mainly took place on University Street and Khayyam Street.

Marvdasht also witnessed protest gatherings today. In the morning, during the burial ceremony of one of those killed in the protests, citizens chanted protest slogans, and several hours later, protest gatherings formed on Enghelab Street in the city.

Meanwhile, a video from the burial ceremony of Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand in Fuladshahr has been published, showing a large turnout of citizens. This protesting citizen was shot by law enforcement–security forces on Wednesday evening, December 31, after participating in popular protests, and lost his life.

According to verified reports up to the time of publication, a total of 113 protests have been recorded over the past six days in 46 cities across 22 provinces. Fifteen student gatherings at 13 universities are also included in this figure.

Protest distribution day 6

Methods of Protest and Slogans

Based on reviews of videos and verified reports, the slogans chanted were largely centered on livelihood, economic, and political demands rooted in citizens’ fundamental rights. These slogans included criticism of the power structure, objections to restrictions on individual and social freedoms, demands for justice, and opposition to the prevailing economic and living conditions.

At the same time, in some gatherings, slogans with more diverse themes were also heard, reflecting the heterogeneous range of views and tendencies among protesters. Within the framework of its human rights mission, HRANA focuses its reporting on slogans and demands that are directly related to violations of, or demands for, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and civil rights.

On the sixth day of protests, scenes of dissent extended to cemeteries, where citizens chanted protest slogans during the burial ceremonies of two individuals killed in the protests. In the streets as well, protesting citizens held gatherings while chanting slogans.

The persistence and repetition of these slogans across different cities indicate an overlap between labor, livelihood, and political demands within the context of the ongoing protests, and reflect the depth of accumulated grievances in Iranian society.

Conduct of Law Enforcement-Security Forces and Details of Violence

On the sixth day of widespread protests across various Iranian cities, reports and videos indicated the continued securitized atmosphere and the use of repressive measures by law enforcement and security forces to prevent the formation and spread of protest gatherings. In one such case, a video from the city of Qom showed agents using tear gas to disperse citizens. Hours later, another video from the same city was published in which a citizen is seen holding a cartridge casing attributed to a pellet gun used by anti-riot forces, stating that it belonged to pellet “No. 5.”

In Tehran, a video from protests in the Narmak neighborhood shows anti-riot forces using violence in an attempt to arrest a female protester. Field reports also indicate that today, Friday, security forces used violence to arrest a number of protesters during demonstrations in Zahedan.

Continuing acts of violence included the killing of Khodadad Shirvani, a resident of Marvdasht, who was shot by security forces yesterday after participating in popular protests and lost his life. His burial ceremony was held today, Friday, with a large turnout of citizens, during which attendees chanted protest slogans.

At the same time, a protest gathering in Yasuj was also met with suppression by law enforcement and security forces. According to a video published by BBC Persian, agents used tear gas to disperse protesters, and the sound of gunfire can also be heard in the footage. Reports have also emerged of the use of tear gas during nighttime protests in Fardis and Khorramabad.

In the cities of Hafshejan and Joneqan, protest gatherings were likewise accompanied by the presence of law enforcement forces. Mehr News Agency reported that “law enforcement officers, by being present at the scene, took action to manage the gathering.”

Additionally, a video published from protests in Kuhdasht, dating back to Wednesday, December 31, shows a protesting citizen who was seriously injured in the right leg, with those present attempting to stop the bleeding.

It has also been reported that during the nighttime protests on January 1 in Marvdasht, Fars Province, a passing vehicle was targeted by gunfire from security forces. According to the published video, a Pride car entering a main boulevard from a side street, an area filled with anti-riot forces and vehicles, was shot at close range and without prior warning by one of the agents. After the shooting, another agent intervened and instructed the driver to leave the area.

Finally, channels close to security institutions reported today the death of a Basij member during the recent protests in the city of Harsin. The individual was identified as Ali Azizi.

Arrests and Security Pressures

Today, HRANA received reports regarding the transfer of 15 detained women to Evin Prison. These women, who were arrested during the recent protests, are reportedly mostly injured and were therefore transferred to the prison infirmary upon arrival. Their identities are still under investigation.

According to additional information received, Fardin Moslemi and Mahan Khoobani, both 16 years old, were arrested by security forces in the cities of Gachsaran and Yasuj and transferred to an unknown location. Fardin Moslemi was arrested in the early hours of today, Friday, January 2, by IRGC Intelligence forces in Gachsaran, while Mahan Khoobani was arrested yesterday in Yasuj.

HRANA has also learned that Misagh Kooch Peydeh and Amir Nodehi, residents of Tehran, as well as Salman Ghodrati, a resident of Bojnord, have been arrested. According to this report, Messrs. Nodehi and Ghodrati were arrested yesterday, Thursday, by security forces.

Meanwhile, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Izeh announced the arrest of a number of citizens during last night’s protests in the city. Published reports also indicate that today, Friday, security agents arrested at least five individuals during protests by citizens in Zahedan.

In addition, reports have been received of the arrest of at least 16 citizens in the cities of Tehran, Kermanshah, and Ilam. The identities of these individuals have been reported as: Iman Ali-Moradi, Ali Najafi, Mohammad Hasanvand, Bijan Karimian, Mohammad Javad Zarei, Akbar Darvishi, Aref Darvishi, Mohammad Havasi, Sepehr Salehi, Amir Raoufi, Ehsan Maleki, Milad Kiadi, Farzad Shokri, Abolfazl Shadfar, Moein Maleki, and Yazdan Bakhti. These arrests took place on December 31 and January 1.

The chief justices of Lorestan and Isfahan provinces also announced that a number of protesting citizens were arrested in recent days in the counties of Azna, Delfan, and Isfahan.

In the same context, a channel close to security institutions published two separate videos of forced confessions by a detained citizen in Amol. In these videos, whose recording conditions are unclear, a young man with a fully visible face expresses remorse for publishing calls for protests. The same channel also released a video of the arrest of a citizen on January 2 in Khorramabad, claiming that weapons and ammunition were discovered in his possession. According to the report, this arrest was carried out by agents of the Abolfazl Corps of the IRGC in Lorestan Province.

State broadcaster IRIB also released videos containing forced confessions of several citizens, announcing their arrest during protests in Kermanshah. At least four citizens can be seen in these videos. Mehr News Agency likewise published a video of a forced confession by a citizen arrested yesterday on Motahhari Street in Khorramabad; the circumstances under which these videos were recorded remain unknown.

Subsequently, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Izeh once again announced the arrest of a number of citizens during last night’s protests in the city.

Meanwhile, Tasnim News Agency reported that several protesters were arrested during demonstrations in Qazvin on charges described as belonging to “saboteur elements.” According to the agency, one individual allegedly involved in publishing protest calls online was also arrested.

HRANA has also learned that on December 31 and January 1, a number of citizens in Gorgan were arrested for publishing calls for protests.

The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Hamedan also announced today the arrest of several citizens during protests in the city, without providing details regarding their identities or the exact timing of their arrests.

Ashraf Montazeri, daughter of Ayatollah Montazeri, stated that her daughter and grandchild were arrested during street protests and released after one day on bail.

Fars News Agency also reported the arrest of a citizen in Isfahan, claiming that he “intended to join the gathering with a handgun and carry out anti-security and sabotage actions.” According to the outlet, the arrest took place on Thursday, January 1.

Additionally, media outlets close to security institutions, without naming individuals, reported the arrest of three citizens, including a teenager, in the cities of Isfahan, Khorramabad, and Amol during the ongoing protests.

In the final hours of today, the Public Relations Office of the Rouhollah Corps of the IRGC in Markazi Province announced the arrest of the administrators of two Telegram channels in the cities of Saveh and Arak, claiming that these channels played a role in the “management and direction of protesters.”

Meanwhile, Amirkabir Newsletter reported that Amirhossein Keshavarz, a student activist, was arrested by security forces. According to the report, agents went to his residence today, arrested him, and transferred him to an unknown location.

Reactions

As nationwide protests entered their sixth day, officials of the Islamic Republic and media outlets affiliated with official and security institutions, alongside continued on-the-ground repression, have sought to reinforce a dominant narrative centered on “foreign interference” and “national security,” while sidelining protesters’ demands.

At the political level, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, reacting to support expressed by Donald Trump for protesters, described the stance as “irresponsible and dangerous,” claiming that such statements target Iran’s sovereignty and that the Islamic Republic’s armed forces are “ready to respond.” At the same time, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament, and Alireza Salimi, a member of the parliamentary presidium, issued threatening warnings that any “foreign interference” would be met with a “regret-inducing” response.

In this context, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council sent a letter to domestic media outlets, urging them to condemn Trump’s support for protesters and, by drawing a “clear line with the enemy,” refrain from what it described as “raw, emotional, or tension-inducing dissemination.” The council also praised media outlets that it said had “contributed to stability,” reflecting intensified control and guidance of the media narrative on the sixth day of protests.

In the judicial and security sphere, officials such as Saeed Shahvarai, Chief Justice of Lorestan Province, announced the arrest of protesters in cities including Azna and Delfan, without providing transparent details regarding charges or judicial procedures. At the same time, some pro-government religious figures, including Hossein Nouri Hamedani, while implicitly acknowledging economic pressures, sought to reduce the roots of the crisis to “mismanagement” and avoided linking the protests to the political structure.

At the international level, Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over developments in Iran, stating that reports of violence against protesters are being followed “closely,” and called on Iranian authorities to respect citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. This position was expressed amid numerous reports of shootings, arrests, and an intense security atmosphere across various Iranian cities.

State-affiliated media, in their coverage of the sixth day, focused on emphasizing external threats, warning the United States and Israel, and promoting the narrative that protests are being directed by “hostile groups”—a narrative that does not align with field evidence or the breadth of protesters’ demands.

Conclusion

The ongoing protests, which began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, entered their sixth day with expanded geographic scope, increased public participation, and an intensified presence of security forces. The combination of livelihood and political demands, the rise in arrests, and officials’ efforts to simultaneously contain the crisis through economic and security measures reflect the authorities’ high sensitivity to the continuation of these protests.

HRANA continues to collect, verify, and complete information related to these protests and will publish supplementary reports should the gatherings persist or expand.

Detailed Report on Five Days of Protests: Expansion of Gatherings and Violence

During the first five days of protests and strikes in Iran, at least 119 citizens have been arrested, seven people have been killed, and at least 33 others injured. These protests, which began in Tehran, have spread over this period to at least 32 cities across various provinces.
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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Abolfazl Marvati, Ahmad Jalil, Ali Hassan-Bikian, Alireza Hammami, Amirhesam Khodayari-Fard, Amirhossein Gholizadeh, Aref Hadi-Nejad, Bazaar protest, Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand, Elnaz Kari, Hassan Mousavi, HRANA, Mani Eydi, Mehdi Beik, Mobin Aminian, Sajjad Valamanesh, Serira Karimi, Shahin Shokouhi, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar

HRANA – During the first five days of protests and strikes in Iran, at least 119 citizens have been arrested, seven people have been killed, and at least 33 others injured. These protests, which began in Tehran, have spread over this period to at least 32 cities across various provinces. Alongside labor strikes and street gatherings, they have been marked by an escalation in security crackdowns, the use of weapons, and widespread pressure against protesters.

Protests that began on Sunday, December 28, with strikes and gatherings by bazaar merchants in Tehran continued today, Thursday, January 1, for a fifth consecutive day. As livelihood-related discontent persists, the security atmosphere has intensified in some cities, and  security forces crackdowns against protesting citizens have taken on broader dimensions.

Background of the Protests

The protests of the past five days in Iran are rooted in a deep and structural crisis spanning economic conditions, livelihoods, and governance. Over recent months, this crisis has accelerated, manifesting in the continuous devaluation of the national currency, an unprecedented surge in foreign exchange rates, rising inflation, widespread market stagnation, and a sharp decline in citizens’ purchasing power. Under these conditions, many tradespeople and economic actors have reported an inability to cover operating costs, continue their activities, or maintain even minimal profitability.

According to data and reports published in the days leading up to the protests, the U.S. dollar in the open market reached approximately 140,000 tomans. This occurred alongside capital outflows from the stock market, a sharp drop in market indices, and increased movement of capital toward parallel markets such as currency and gold. Economic observers have assessed these developments as signs of widespread distrust in economic stability and the country’s future outlook.

Within this context, the Tehran bazaar strike on the first day of protests quickly spread to other professional sectors and geographic areas. Over the second to fourth days, the protests continued in the form of street gatherings, marches, shop strikes, and the participation of groups of students at some universities. At the same time, responses by law enforcement and security institutions included increased troop deployment, on-the-ground control of urban spaces, confrontations with protesters, and the arrest of citizens—a trend that, according to reports, continued and intensified on the fifth day as well.

Geography of the Protests

Information collected by HRANA indicates that on the fifth day of protests, protest gatherings and labor strikes were reported in the following cities and locations:

In Tehran, protest gatherings and activities were reported in the vicinity of the Fruit and Vegetable Market. This city, where the protests first began with the Tehran bazaar strike, has continuously witnessed various forms of protests, strikes, and a heavy presence of security forces over the past five days in areas including the Tehran Bazaar, Lalehzar Street, Valiasr Street, Yaftabad neighborhood, Imam Khomeini Street intersection, Jomhouri Street, Ferdowsi Street, Sabounian Street, Shadabad Street, Bani Hashem Street, Mollasadra Street, Khayyam Street, the Fruit and Vegetable Market, Qods City, and Malard.

In Fars Province, on the fifth day, protest gatherings by citizens were recorded in the cities of Marvdasht, Kavar, and Osan. In previous days, the province had also witnessed protests in Fasa (in front of the Governor’s Office), Shiraz, and Nurabad-e Mamasani.

In Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, protests were reported in two cities. In Lordegan, protesters gathered from Municipality Square to in front of the Governor’s Office, where, according to reports, law enforcement forces used tear gas. Protest activities were also recorded in the city of Junqan.

In Hamedan Province, the continuation of strikes and protests was reported in the city of Hamedan, which had also been among the active protest locations in previous days.

The city of Babol, in Mazandaran Province, also witnessed public protests on the fifth day.

In Isfahan Province, shopkeepers’ strikes and protest gatherings took place in the city of Isfahan, while protesters held demonstrations in Shahin Shahr on the fifth day. During the second to fourth days, protests had also been reported in other parts of Isfahan Province, including Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the Ahmadabad neighborhood, Yakhchal Street, Fuladshahr, and Najafabad.

A review of the data shows that over five consecutive days, the protests have spread beyond Tehran to numerous provinces and cities. According to HRANA, the following cities and areas also witnessed protests, gatherings, or strikes during the first to fourth days: Isfahan, Fasa, Kuhdasht, Aligudarz, Dorud, Genaveh, Baghmalek, Hamedan, Kermanshah (Nobahar Street), Shiraz, Sabzevar, Zanjan, Qeshm, Yazd, Arak, Nurabad-e Mamasani, Fuladshahr, Najafabad, Qods City, and Malard. The continuation of protests on the fifth day reflects both the temporal continuity and geographic expansion of these protest activities across the country.

Universities Join the Protests and Student Demonstrations

Alongside street gatherings and labor strikes, universities have also played a significant role as centers of protest during the past five days. Based on recorded information, student activities began at the University of Tehran on the second day of protests. By the third day, these protests had expanded to University of Tehran, Shahid Beheshti University, Kharazmi University, Sharif University of Technology, Iran University of Science and Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, University of Science and Culture, Isfahan University of Technology, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Yazd University, and University of Zanjan.

On the fourth day, reports were also published regarding the continuation of student activities at Isfahan University of Technology and at the Shahid Beheshti University dormitory in the Velenjak area. Among these, Isfahan University of Technology was identified as one of the main centers of student protests. Published videos show students holding gatherings, marching, and chanting protest slogans on campus. These activities took place simultaneously with labor strikes and street protests in the city of Isfahan.

Although no separate reports of new student gatherings were recorded on the fifth day, available data indicate that university protests formed part of the broader five-day protest movement and emerged from the same economic and social grievances. The continued security presence around universities and the heightened sensitivity of law enforcement and security institutions toward these spaces have been reported as consistent features over recent days.

Methods of Protest and Slogans

According to information compiled by HRANA, the protests continued into their fifth day, taking the form of a combination of labor strikes, protest gatherings, and street marches. The strike by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants, which began on the first day of the protests in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, expanded to other cities in the following days and continued on the fifth day in a number of urban centers and local markets. Shop closures, refusal to engage in economic activity, and calls on other professional groups to join the strike were among the most prominent methods of protest during this period.

Alongside labor strikes, street gatherings and short protest marches were reported in various parts of cities. These gatherings were often sporadic and highly mobile, aimed at reducing direct confrontation with security forces. In many cases, protesters dispersed after chanting slogans, leaving the area before extensive intervention by security forces. In some cities, protests were also reported in front of government buildings, including governorates.

Based on reviews of videos and verified reports from the first five days of protests, the slogans chanted were largely focused on livelihood, economic, and political demands rooted in citizens’ fundamental rights. These slogans included criticism of the power structure, objections to restrictions on individual and social freedoms, demands for justice, and opposition to the prevailing economic and living conditions.

At the same time, in some gatherings, slogans with more diverse themes were also heard, reflecting the heterogeneous range of views and tendencies among protesters. Within the framework of its human rights mission, HRANA focuses its reporting on slogans and demands that are directly related to violations of, or demands for, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and civil rights.

The persistence and repetition of these slogans across different cities indicate an overlap between labor, livelihood, and political demands within the context of the ongoing protests, and reflect the depth of accumulated grievances within Iranian society.

Actions by Law Enforcement–Security Forces and Details of Violence

Reports received from the fifth day of protests indicate the continued and intensified presence of law enforcement and security forces in various urban areas. In Tehran and several provincial capitals, the deployment of riot control units, police vehicles, and plainclothes agents in squares, main streets, and around sensitive locations was reported. This widespread presence followed the pattern of the previous four days and aimed at controlling gatherings and preventing the spread of protests.

In some cities, confrontations between law enforcement–security forces and protesters led to the use of tear gas and crowd-control tools. For example, in Lordegan, a gathering of citizens between Municipality Square and the Governor’s Office was met with tear gas fired by law enforcement forces, resulting in the dispersal of protesters and the establishment of a heavy security atmosphere in the area.

In previous days, reports also documented gunfire toward protesters, physical assaults, and the pursuit of citizens. One such case occurred in Fasa, where on the fourth day of protests, clashes between law enforcement–security forces and protesters in front of the Governor’s Office escalated into violence. Images published from that day showed security forces firing at protesters. Similarly, in Kermanshah, at Mossadegh Square and in the Dabir-e Azam neighborhood, law enforcement and security forces opened fire on protesters. According to informed HRANA sources, officers in the city used pellet guns against protesting citizens. Local officials later denied the use of live ammunition, stating that plastic or pellet bullets had been employed.

On the fifth day of protests, reports indicate that law enforcement–security forces used gunfire and tear gas to disperse protesters in Nahavand. In Kuhdasht, officers used pellet weapons to scatter demonstrators. In addition, in the city of Osan, reports indicate that a group of individuals gathered in front of a police headquarters, after which clashes broke out between protesters and officers, resulting in the killing of three people and the injury of 17 others. Both cold weapons and firearms were reportedly used during these clashes.

Over the past five days, there have also been reports of citizens being arrested by plainclothes agents in public spaces and markets. In some videos, citizens can be heard describing attempts by security forces to detain protesters and calling on others to intervene to prevent the arrests. In many of these cases, precise information regarding the timing and identity of the arresting forces is not available; however, the reported behavior aligns with previously documented security practices.

Overall, these findings indicate that the response of law enforcement and security forces to the recent five days of protests has gone beyond on-the-ground control and the creation of a security atmosphere, and in numerous instances has involved the use of repressive measures, physical violence, and restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly.

Arrests, Victims, and Other Security Pressures

According to reports compiled by HRANA, the recent five days of protests have been accompanied by a significant increase in arrests, the deaths of protesters, injuries, and the application of various security pressures across different parts of the country. The information presented in this section is based on documented data and includes names, numbers, locations, and the current status of those affected.

Arrests:

During the first five days of the protests, at least 119 citizens were arrested in 24 separate incidents across multiple provinces and cities. This figure includes both individual and group arrests.

Individual Arrests with Identified Identities:

• Mehdi Beik, journalist, arrested in Tehran – released
• Abolfazl Marvati, student at Sharif University of Technology, arrested in Tehran (Azadi Street) – released
• Shahin Shokouhi, student at the University of Tehran, arrested in Tehran (Enghelab Street) – released
• Aref Hadi-Nejad, student at the University of Tehran, arrested in Tehran (Enghelab Street) – released
• Mobin Aminian, student, arrested in Tehran – released
• Mani Eydi, student, arrested in Tehran – released
• Amirhossein Gholizadeh, student, arrested in Tehran – released
• Hassan Mousavi, student, arrested in Tehran – released
• Serira Karimi, student, arrested in Tehran – released
• Ali Hassan-Bikian, student, arrested in Tehran
• Alireza Hammami, student, arrested in Tehran
• Elnaz Kari, arrested in Tehran – held in Evin Prison
• Negar Ghanbari, arrested in Tehran – held in Evin Prison
• Helena Rostami, arrested in Tehran – held in Evin Prison
• Masoumeh Nouri, arrested in Tehran – held in Evin Prison
• Fatemeh Hashem Pour, arrested in Tehran – held in Evin Prison
• Aida (surname unknown), arrested in Tehran – held in Evin Prison

in Khuzestan Province:

• Soltan Emamkhah, resident of Behbahan, arrested for issuing a protest call – released
• Amir Mehdi Razm, resident of Behbahan
• Abolfazl Jafsh, resident of Behbahan
• Abolfazl Ashnoud, resident of Behbahan

in Isfahan Province:

• Mahshad Keshani, resident of Isfahan, arrested on Qaemieh Street

Unidentified and Group Arrests:

• 11 citizens arrested in Tehran, Shoush Square, Sabounian Street
• 4 citizens arrested in Fasa, Fars Province, during protests in front of the Governor’s Office
• 7 citizens with unidentified identities (exact city and location not confirmed)
• 1 citizen with unidentified identity arrested in Tehran (Tehran Bazaar)
• 20 citizens arrested in Kuhdasht
• 7 citizens arrested in Kermanshah
• 14 citizens arrested in Alborz Province
• 1 citizen arrested in Isfahan (Qaemieh Street)
• 1 citizen arrested in Khorramabad
• 30 citizens arrested in Malard

In several cases, the place of transfer following arrest and the current legal status of detainees remain unknown. Additional information is under review and verification.

Victims:

During the fifth day of protests, at least seven citizens lost their lives. Details are as follows:

• Amirhesam Khodayari-Fard, civilian (Lorestan Province, Kuhdasht). Security institutions have claimed he was affiliated with the Basij, while local sources have identified him as a protester.
• Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand, civilian (Isfahan Province, Fuladshahr)
• Sajjad Valamanesh and Ahmad Jalil (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Lordegan, in the area between Municipality Square and the Governor’s Office)
• Three citizens with unidentified identities (Fars Province, Osan, at a police headquarters)

Precise details regarding the circumstances of these deaths are still under verification.

Injuries and Other Security Pressures:

According to compiled reports, over the five days of protests, at least 33 cases of injury were recorded. These injuries were mainly caused by the use of tear gas, beatings, and crowd-control tools. In many cases, the identities of the injured individuals remain unknown.

Authorities in the cities of Fasa and Kuhdasht claimed that 16 of the injured in these cities were members of law enforcement–security forces.

Additionally, during the protests, Fariba Fereydouni, a resident of Khomein in Markazi Province, was summoned by the Ministry of Intelligence via phone on the third day of protests. The reason for the summons was cited as “publishing content related to the protests on social media.” She has not yet complied with the summons.

Beyond these cases, reports have been received of telephone or in-person threats, forced written commitments, security forces appearing at citizens’ residences, and pressure after release, indicating the continuation of security pressure outside the framework of formal detention.

Overall, these data indicate that the recent five days of protests have been accompanied by a broad pattern of human rights violations, including mass arrests, the deaths of citizens, injuries to protesters, and simultaneous security pressures. HRANA continues to collect, cross-check, and verify additional information and will publish updated reports should new data become available.

Reactions of Officials and State Media

In response to the recent five days of protests, government officials and media outlets close to security institutions have presented narratives aligned with the securitization of the protests, reducing them to so-called “riots,” while attempting to downplay the scale of repression and its human consequences.

Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency, both affiliated with security institutions and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, described protesters as “rioters” and claimed the protests involved “sabotage.” Fars reported the killing of two people during the Lordegan protests, stating that demonstrators had thrown stones at government buildings and that police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The outlet also described the city’s situation as “calm.”

Tasnim News Agency reported the arrest of seven individuals in Kermanshah, claiming they intended to turn the protests violent and were affiliated with opposition groups abroad—claims made without independent evidence.

At the executive level, Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, Governor of Tehran Province, stated that bazaar protests had been “managed in cooperation with FARAJA” and described law enforcement policy as one of “restraint.” He claimed confrontations occurred only in limited cases due to “disruption of public order” and that the city was being steered toward calm.

Meanwhile, Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government spokesperson, called on governors to hold meetings with representatives of guilds and bazaar merchants to facilitate “direct dialogue.” These remarks were made despite widespread reports of arrests, deaths, and violent برخورد with protesters.

Separately, Mohammad Saleh Jokar, head of the Majles Internal Affairs and Councils Commission, announced that following recent events, the review of the “Gatherings and Marches Bill” would be prioritized, legislation previously criticized by observers as a tool to restrict the right to peaceful assembly.

In the academic sphere, the Educational Vice Presidency of the University of Tehran announced that classes and exams would be held online until 18 Dey, citing “cold weather and energy imbalances.” This decision was made amid continued student protests and a heightened security atmosphere around universities.

Summary and Final Assessment of the Fifth Day

Protests that began with a bazaar strike in Tehran have, by their fifth day, evolved into a broad movement encompassing labor, livelihood, political, and student dimensions. The geographic expansion of protests, continued strikes, participation of universities, and repetition of political slogans reflect the depth of public dissatisfaction with economic conditions, the devaluation of the national currency, and the lack of livelihood prospects.

In contrast, the authorities’ response has largely focused on security-based crisis management, increased arrests, multilayered pressure, and media narrative-building. The documentation of at least 119 arrests, seven deaths, and dozens of injuries over five days underscores the heavy human cost borne by protesting citizens. At the same time, official efforts to label the protests as “riots” and to advance unsubstantiated claims about protesters’ affiliations stand in clear contrast to the scope of demands and the social composition of the movement.

HRANA continues to collect, verify, and cross-check information related to the protests, arrests, deaths, and other human rights violations, and will publish supplementary and updated reports should the protests continue or expand.

Detailed Report on the Third Day of Protests

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Bazaar, Fuladshahr, Hamedan, Nourabad Mamasani, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar

HRANA – On the third day of economic protests and strikes in Iran, the scope of demonstrations expanded beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With students, citizens, and various social groups joining in, the protests turned into one of the most widespread movements seen in recent years. Incoming reports indicate the spread of protests to numerous cities, an increased presence of law enforcement and security forces, the use of tear gas, the arrest of a number of protesters, and extensive securitization of urban spaces.

Protests that initially began with gatherings and strikes by Tehran’s bazaar merchants entered a new and more expansive phase on their third day, yesterday, Tuesday, December 30. With universities, urban neighborhoods, and markets across multiple provinces joining in, the movement evolved into a convergence of labor, student, and street protests, significantly broadening both its scope and social base.

Background of the Protests

The ongoing protests have taken shape amid a deepening and multifaceted economic crisis in Iran, marked by an unprecedented surge in foreign exchange rates, the sharp devaluation of the national currency, persistent inflation, prolonged market stagnation, declining purchasing power, the growing inability of tradespeople to sustain economic activity, and widespread uncertainty over future livelihoods.

According to official data, the U.S. dollar has surpassed 140,000 tomans in recent days, alongside reports of massive capital flight from the stock market. A sharp decline in market indices and the movement of capital toward parallel markets such as currency and gold are cited as signs of growing distrust in economic stability. This situation has led to widespread shop closures, market strikes, and the formation of protest gatherings across the country.

Geography of the Protests

Based on collected information, demonstrations and strikes on the third day were reported in numerous locations in Tehran and other cities. In Tehran, streets including Jomhouri, Mollasadra, Bani Hashem, Khayyam, Sabounian, Enghelab Avenue, and Shoosh Square were among the areas where citizens gathered to protest. Reports also describe gatherings and marches by bazaar merchants and citizens in the Shadabad iron market and various parts of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, including the alleys of Seyed Esmail, Hammam-Chal, and Mohammad Sarraf.

In the provinces, the protests continued to expand. Reports came from Nourabad Mamasani in Fars Province; Hamedan; Fuladshahr and Najafabad in Isfahan Province; Kermanshah; Arak; and Shiraz. In Shiraz, strikes by bazaar merchants and protest gatherings were reported in several locations, including an area known as “Sar-e Dozak,” while a noticeable security presence was observed on major city thoroughfares.

Universities Join In and Student Protests

On the third day of the protests, students at numerous universities across the country joined the movement by holding protest gatherings in solidarity with the demands of shopkeepers and bazaar merchants. Student demonstrations were reported at universities in Tehran, Yazd, Zanjan, Shahid Beheshti, Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi, Sharif University of Technology, Iran University of Science and Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Elm-o Farhang University, Isfahan University of Technology, and Allameh Tabataba’i University, underscoring the growing alignment between student activism and broader social and economic grievances.

During these gatherings, students raised not only demands related to livelihoods but also their own labor and political demands. According to verified videos, students chanted slogans such as: “The student may die, but will not accept humiliation,” “Neither headscarf nor beating, freedom and equality,” “All these years of crimes, death to this guardianship,” “Poverty, corruption, oppression, death to this despotism,” “Woman, Life, Freedom,” “Neither barracks nor enterprise, hail the university,” and “Political prisoners must be freed.”

Methods of Protest and Slogans

The third day of protests featured a combination of labor strikes, street gatherings, marches, and university protests. Bazaar merchants played a central role by closing their shops and calling on other tradespeople to strike.

Verified videos show chants including: “Close them, close them,” “Bazaar merchants closed, those without honor stayed seated,” “Honorable bazaar merchants, support, support,” “Death to the dictator,” “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran,” “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, we are all together,” and “Khamenei is a murderer; his rule is illegitimate,” heard in various locations.

Actions by Law Enforcement and Details of Violence

Reports indicate that in several areas of Tehran, special units and riot police moved in to disperse protesters. According to published images and videos, law enforcement and security forces used tear gas to scatter demonstrators on Khayyam Street in Tehran.

In Kermanshah, reports were received of tear gas being fired and clashes between security forces and protesters. In Hamedan, security forces reportedly confronted protesters in some central areas of the city and beat them.

Student sources reported clashes between security forces and protesting students at Shahid Beheshti University. In addition, there were reports of a heavy deployment of riot police around Tehran’s bazaar, several central streets of the capital, and outside the exit gates of Sharif University of Technology. In Shiraz, the creation of a security atmosphere on Hazrati Street was reported.

Images from Jomhouri Street in Tehran show that the large gathering of protesters in the area forced law enforcement and security forces to retreat.

Arrests and Security Pressure

During the third day of protests, a number of citizens and students were arrested. According to student sources, Abolfazl Moravati, a 2024 master’s student in computer engineering at Sharif University of Technology, was arrested with beatings by security forces in front of the university gate.

Additionally, four students from the University of Tehran, Shahin Shokouhi, Aref Hadi-Nejad, Mobin Aminian, and Mani Eydi, were arrested during yesterday’s protest gatherings and transferred to undisclosed locations. They were reportedly released earlier today.

Earlier this evening, a video was published showing that at least 11 citizens were arrested by law enforcement and security forces on Sabounian Street near Shoosh Square in Tehran. The identities of these individuals have not yet been confirmed.

At the same time, Zahra Soleimani, the wife of Mehdi Beik, political editor of Etemad newspaper, announced that her husband had been arrested after going to Tehran’s bazaar to cover the protests. Hours later, Etemad reported his release. Mehdi Beik has previously been arrested as well.

In addition, a relative of Fariba Fereydouni, a civil activist, told HRANA that she had been summoned to the Khomein Intelligence Department after publishing content about the popular protests but refused to appear at the security agency.

Reactions of Officials and State Media

In response to the protests, the head of the Supreme Court pointed to the role of officials’ performance in creating economic problems and described livelihood conditions and rising prices as among society’s main challenges. At the same time, he emphasized that those described as “disruptors of the economic system” would be dealt with.

The government spokesperson also commented on the protests, saying: “When the people’s voice is raised, it means the pressures have been heavy, and it is the government’s duty to listen to these voices.” He claimed that the right to peaceful assembly is recognized in the Constitution.

By contrast, media outlets such as Mashregh News and Tasnim News Agency described the protests as “limited” and claimed an external origin or “media exploitation” of the gatherings.

Meanwhile, the head of the Tax Affairs Organization announced an agreement among the heads of the three branches of government to apply discounts and tax reductions for tradespeople, an announcement made as protests in recent days have gone beyond purely labor-related issues and increasingly highlighted political demands.

In Conclusion

Protests that began in Tehran’s bazaar, on their third day, have been marked by geographic expansion, the joining of universities, increased citizen participation, and an intensified presence of security forces. The combination of livelihood and political demands, rising arrests, and officials’ attempts to simultaneously manage the crisis through economic and security measures underscore the authorities’ heightened sensitivity to the continuation of these protests.

HRANA continues to collect, verify, and complete information related to these protests and will publish follow-up reports should the gatherings continue or expand.

Report on the Second Day of Protests; Expansion of Bazaar Gatherings and Security Forces’ Confrontation

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Bazaar, Malard, protests, Tehran, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar

HRANA – On the second day of protests and strikes by bazaar merchants and shopkeepers in Iran, the scope of these gatherings extended beyond Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and spread to several other cities. These protests, formed in response to severe currency market fluctuations, devaluation of national currency, and economic instability, were met in some areas with the presence of law enforcement, security forces and the use of tear gas.

Beginning two days ago, protest gatherings initially started in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Subsequently, bazaar merchants and shopkeepers in various parts of the capital joined the protests by closing their shops and halting business activities. Reports received indicate that yesterday, on the second day, the geographic scope of these protests has expanded and taken on a more public and visible form.

Background of the Protests

The recent protests have emerged amid multiple simultaneous crises facing Iran’s economy, including devaluation of national currency, rising inflation, declining purchasing power of citizens, and the continuation of international sanctions. Sharp fluctuations in the currency market in recent days have seriously disrupted pricing, supply of goods, and the ability of many trades to continue operating.

According to reports from official news agencies, a number of exchange offices have either refrained from conducting currency transactions by posting notices or have completely suspended their activities. This situation has led to market stagnation, widespread shop closures, and the formation of protest gatherings in commercial centers.

Geography of the Protests

Based on collected information, protests and strikes by bazaar merchants on the second day were reported in numerous locations across Tehran. These areas include Jomhouri, Saadi, Molavi, Amir Kabir, Taleghani, Nejatollahi, Enghelab, Kargar, and Lalehzar streets. Reports have also been received of gatherings at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, Chaharsouq, the Gold Bazaar, Alaeddin Shopping Center, Charsu Shopping Complex, Bagh-e Sepahsalar, Shoush Bazaar, Amin Hozour Bazaar, and Hassan Abad Square.

Some reports indicate that the protests have expanded to other cities, including Malard in Tehran Province, Hamedan in Hamedan Province, and Qeshm Island in Hormozgan Province. In these areas, shopkeepers expressed their protest to the economic situation by closing their shops and calling on others to join the strike.

Additionally, reports have been published about a protest gathering by students residing in the University of Tehran dormitory complex, where they chanted slogans to voice their demands.

Methods of Protest and Chants

Bazaar merchants and protesting citizens expressed their opposition by closing shop shutters, gathering in main thoroughfares, and marching in some areas. The slogans chanted during these gatherings, beyond trade-related demands, in some cases took on a political character.

According to verified videos, chants heard in various locations included: “High prices and inflation are a plague on people’s lives,” “The bazaar merchant may die but will not accept humiliation,” “Close them, close them,” “Death to the dictator,” and “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran.”

Confrontation by Law Enforcement–Security Forces and Details of Violence

Field reports indicate that in several areas of Tehran, special units and riot police intervened to disperse protesters. According to published images and videos, tear gas was used to disperse gatherings on Jomhouri Street, around Alaeddin Shopping Center, Bagh-e Sepahsalar, Kargar Street, and other locations.

Videos have also circulated showing the beating of a protester by security forces; the individual is seen sitting in the middle of the street, without attempting to flee, facing motorcycle-mounted forces.

A heavy presence of riot police and their deployment along main routes, including Hafez Bridge and around City Theater, has also been reported.

Reactions of Officials and State-Affiliated Media

In response to these protests, officials and media outlets close to security institutions have warned about the “politicization” of the gatherings. Fars and Tasnim news agencies, in published reports, have claimed the presence of “small organized cells” among the protesters and described the trade-related protests as vulnerable to “security exploitation.”

The Interior Ministry’s deputy for security affairs described the currency market fluctuations as the result of a “psychological atmosphere” and urged citizens not to be influenced by “enemy instigations.” The head of the judiciary also warned that actions which, according to him, cause “disruption of the economic system” could face severe judicial prosecution.

Conclusion

The recent economic protests, which began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, on their second day were accompanied by geographic expansion, increased participation by various trades, and an intensified presence of security forces. The combination of economic demands with political slogans, the harsh reactions of officials, and the use of suppressive measures indicate the high sensitivity of the authorities toward these developments.

HRANA continues to collect, verify, and complete information related to these protests and will publish follow-up reports should the gatherings continue.

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