In a report published on February 24, Human Rights Watch reported a widespread wave of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and the threat of secret executions of protesters from Iran’s December demonstrations, describing the current situation as a tsunami of repression.
According to the report, since December 28, 2025, and especially after the nationwide massacres on January 8 and 9, 2026, Iran’s regime security and intelligence agencies have arrested tens of thousands of people, including children. The organization states that those detained face torture, severe mistreatment, highly unfair trials, and the risk of death in detention or immediate and arbitrary executions.
Amnesty International warns of execution risk for 30 protesters in Iran
Enforced disappearances and denial of access to legal counsel
Human Rights Watch stated that many detainees are held completely incommunicado in both official and unofficial facilities, including secret detention centers. Families and lawyers report that authorities systematically refuse to provide information about the fate and location of detainees, an act that the organization considers an enforced disappearance and a serious crime under international law.
Torture, forced confessions, and the threat of execution
The organization has documented multiple cases of torture and mistreatment, including severe beatings, sexual and gender-based violence, food deprivation, threats of execution, and denial of medical services. In addition, 139 videos of forced confessions broadcast by state media up to February 6 were reviewed, which the organization considers a blatant violation of the prohibition of torture and the presumption of innocence.
Call for international action
Human Rights Watch has called on United Nations member states to:
- demand the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained.
- clarify the fate and whereabouts of enforced disappearances.
- halt the carrying out of any planned executions.
- grant independent international observers, particularly the UN fact-finding mission in Iran, full and unimpeded access to the country and prisons.
The organization also called on judicial authorities in other countries to initiate criminal investigations into potential international crimes based on the principle of universal jurisdiction.
Ongoing arrests and security environment
The report indicates that after the January massacres, a heavy presence of security forces, checkpoints, and inspections of citizens’ mobile phones has been established in many cities, and arrests continue. Protesters, students, pupils, lawyers, doctors, journalists, political and civil activists, athletes, and members of ethnic and religious minorities, including Baha’is, are among those detained.
Human Rights Watch concluded that holding detainees in emptied prison wards and unregistered detention centers, alongside the use of CCTV and drones to identify protesters, indicates the continuation of an organized campaign to instill fear and suppress protests.
