Economic Collapse and the Spark of Nationwide Unrest
Since December 28, 2025, Iran has been engulfed in a wave of nationwide protests triggered by a catastrophic economic crisis and the historic collapse of the national currency, with the Rial plunging to 1.45 million per USD. What began as a reaction to hyperinflation and the skyrocketing cost of basic goods quickly evolved into a broad political movement across more than 32 cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Ahvaz, and various regions in Lorestan and Kurdistan. In response, the Islamic Republic’s security apparatus has deployed a strategy of lethal force, mass arbitrary arrests, and near-total internet blackouts to stifle dissent. As of January 2, 2026, reports indicate a systematic campaign to silence the population through judicial intimidation and physical violence.
State-Media Admissions and the Scale of Detentions
In a departure from their usual silence during the early stages of unrest, Iranian state media outlets have openly reported high numbers of arrests, often labeling protesters as “rioters” or “foreign agents.” The IRNA news agency, quoting the Mallard governorate, confirmed the detention of 30 individuals described as “disruptors of public order.” Simultaneously, Mizan Online (the judiciary’s official news organ) reported 20 arrests in Koohdasht, Lorestan, and 4 arrests in Fasa. The Tasnim news agency further detailed the capture of 7 “ringleaders” in Kermanshah, while IRIB (State TV) announced the dismantling of an “organized network” in Dehloran, resulting in 11 detentions. While these official figures are alarming, independent human rights organizations suggest the true number of detainees exceeds 119, with many held in undisclosed locations without formal charges.
Judicial Intimidation and the Criminalization of Dissent
The legal proceedings against these detainees have been characterized by severe threats from high-ranking judicial officials. Mohammad Movahhedi-Azad, the Attorney General of Iran, explicitly declared the protests a “red line” for the judiciary, promising uncompromising punishment. Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, the Head of the Judiciary, invoked the charge of “Mofsed-e-filarz” (Corruption on Earth), a capital offense, for those accused of leading the unrest. Such judicial rhetoric constitutes a direct violation of Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. By criminalizing protest under vague national security laws, such as “Assembly and Collusion” (Article 610 of the Islamic Penal Code), the Iranian state is in blatant breach of Article 19 of the ICCPR regarding the right to freedom of expression.
Lethal Force, Fatalities, and the Breach of the Right to Life
The crackdown has already turned lethal, particularly in western Iran. Documented fatalities include Shayan Asadollahi, Wahab Mousavi, and a minor in Azna, along with Dariush Ansari in Fooladshahr, Isfahan. The use of live ammunition and military-grade weapons (such as Kalashnikovs) against unarmed civilians is a flagrant violation of the “Right to Life” enshrined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 6 of the ICCPR. Furthermore, the mass transfer of female activists, including Elnaz Kari and Negar Ghanbari, to the security wards of Evin Prison, and the detention of students like Abolfazl Morovati (Sharif University) and Mobin Aminian (University of Tehran), highlights a targeted campaign against civil society. The denial of access to independent legal counsel—mandated by the “Note to Article 48” of the Criminal Procedure Code—violates the fundamental right to a fair trial under Article 14 of the ICCPR.
International Obligations and the Urgent Call for Action
Given Iran’s history of extracting forced confessions through physical and psychological abuse, there is grave concern regarding the systematic use of torture against the December 2025 detainees. Under the Convention Against Torture and Article 7 of the ICCPR, the prohibition of torture is absolute and non-derogable. The international community, specifically the UN Human Rights Council and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Iran, must urgently intervene to document these crimes and identify the perpetrators. Global stakeholders are urged to exert diplomatic pressure on Tehran to secure the unconditional release of peaceful protesters and to ensure that those responsible for the killings in Azna and other cities are held accountable under international law. Failure to act risks further humanitarian catastrophe and the normalization of state-sponsored violence against a population demanding basic economic and human dignity.
