Iranian authorities have detained more than 50,000 individuals in an effort to suppress protests, according to a non-governmental organization’s report on Tuesday. The arrests are ongoing, with rights groups alleging that Iran’s security forces have caused numerous fatalities during the crackdown, which peaked on January 8 and 9 before tapering off.
Police have been apprehending individuals from various societal sectors across the country, with the nation’s leaders attributing the unrest to “rioters” allegedly backed by foreign support. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) based in the US documented at least 50,235 arrests related to the protests, encompassing a diverse range of citizens like students, writers, and teachers.
HRANA further pointed out that some arrests involved home searches and seizure of personal belongings. The organization also highlighted over 300 coerced confessions associated with the protests, where suspects reportedly made televised statements following physical or psychological mistreatment.
Amnesty International expressed concerns over the situation, indicating that thousands of individuals, including minors, have been detained. The detained individuals face severe risks of enforced disappearance, torture, unjust imprisonment, and even arbitrary executions after unfair trials.
Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, emphasized a strict stance against offenders, with potential charges that could lead to the death penalty. Recent arrests included notable figures like screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian and women’s rights activist Vida Rabbani, who were detained in connection with condemning state actions during the crackdown.
Additionally, Abdollah Momeni, along with other activists, was also involved in a joint statement denouncing the government’s handling of the protests. Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi’s foundation reported that she had been allowed minimal communication with her family since her arrest during a demonstration in December. Prosecutors have imposed restrictions on her communication, which she has resisted.
The foundation stated that Mohammadi is only granted another phone call if she complies with strict speech regulations, a condition she has declined to accept.
