Thousands of detainees in Iran face a serious risk of torture and sexual violence, Amnesty International has warned. The arrests followed nationwide protests that began in late December 2025 and escalated in January.
Amnesty International raises alarm over detainee abuse in Iran
The warning appeared in an X post by Amnesty International USA describing a deadly crackdown on mostly peaceful protesters demanding systemic change. According to the post, security forces used unlawful lethal force while authorities cut internet access from 8 January to conceal abuses.
Iranian authorities have unleashed an unprecedented deadly crackdown to crush mostly peaceful protests demanding the fall of the Islamic Republic system.
Security forces have used unlawful lethal force, leading to mass killings and horrific injuries. Since 8 January, authorities… pic.twitter.com/B1C8Jrbolq
— Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) February 3, 2026
Amnesty International reported that many detainees are denied fair trials and could face long prison sentences or execution. In addition, families often receive no information about relatives’ whereabouts, increasing the risk of abuse in custody.
State-affiliated media reported thousands of arrests by 16 January 2026 across provinces, including Tehran and Esfahan. However, independent sources cited by Amnesty International indicate that tens of thousands may remain arbitrarily detained nationwide.
Authorities accuse protesters of links to foreign media, rioting, or weapons possession, according to state reports. Meanwhile, Amnesty International said detainees are frequently denied lawyers and forced to sign statements or confessions.
Some detainees are reportedly held in unofficial locations such as military barracks or warehouses. As a result, detention without registration heightens the risk of torture and other ill-treatment under international law.
Security forces allegedly carried out sexual violence during arrests, including against relatives of a protester in Rasht. Since then, authorities have refused to disclose the detained individual’s fate or location.
Medical risks also persist for injured protesters seeking treatment. For example, Amnesty International reported hospital surveillance and arrests of patients with gunshot or pellet wounds.
“Thousands of people arbitrarily detained after nationwide protests are at serious risk of torture and other ill-treatment,” said Amnesty International. “Many are denied fair trials and could face long prison sentences or the death penalty.”
Wider human rights concerns linked to the crackdown
Protests began on 28 December 2025 following currency collapse, worsening living conditions, and longstanding governance concerns. Over time, demonstrations expanded nationwide and called for political change.
Authorities responded with lethal force and imposed a nationwide internet shutdown on 8 January. Amnesty International said the shutdown appeared intended to conceal mass unlawful killings.
Humanitarian standards during conflict remain a global concern, as outlined in a previous Charity Journal report examining civilian protection rules issued by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Child safety concerns have also emerged during periods of instability. Related risks were highlighted by Charity Journal’s report on UNICEF’s call to protect children in Iran, reflecting broader humanitarian implications.
Amnesty International urged Iranian authorities to release individuals detained for peaceful protest and protect detainees from torture. Furthermore, the organisation called for disclosure of disappeared persons’ whereabouts and an end to protest-related death sentences.
Public reactions to the situation have been intense on social media. Many expressed alarm at the scale of the crackdown, warning that delays in international attention could put more lives at risk. Some comments stressed the urgency of action against the reported abuses, highlighting widespread concern over the humanitarian implications of the unrest.
