The Iran Human Rights Organization (IHRNGO) published its report on the economic crisis protests that began in Tehran on December 28, 2025, and have continued into their eighth day.
In the report published on IHRNGO’s official website, the following statements were included: “January 4, 2026: In the new wave of protests that spread across Iran, at least 19 protesters lost their lives. Hundreds were injured and detained. According to incoming reports, authorities used military weapons, and in some areas heavy weapons, to suppress the protesters. On January 3, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Khamenei described protesters as ‘rioters’ and ‘enemy agents,’ implicitly giving orders for harsh intervention. Statements condemning the Islamic Republic forces’ repression of protests warned that authorities may resort to even more severe methods of violence.”
Chronological overview
The report detailed developments day by day as follows:
December 28, 2025: A wave of protests that began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar against worsening economic conditions quickly spread to other parts of Iran, accompanied by anti-government slogans. Over the past week, protests continued in at least 20 provinces and 50 cities nationwide.
As a result of armed intervention and other violent methods by security forces, at least 19 protesters were killed in seven provinces.
On January 3, many protesters were killed after security forces used live ammunition in the city of Malekshah in Ilam province. According to information from local sources, regime forces used various weapons, including AK-47 rifles. As IHRNGO, we have confirmed five deaths, but investigations into other cases are ongoing. There are also unverified reports that DShK-type heavy machine guns were used.
Hundreds of people were reported to have been injured and detained across the country. In Isfahan Central Prison alone, more than 150 protesters are being held, with some detainees transferred to Ward 8.
Many of the detainees are reported to be injured and taken to the prison infirmary, including very young individuals and those under the age of 18.
In custody despite head and back injuries
Among those detained after being wounded are Soroush Azarmehr (16), Payam Aminzadeh (17), and Saman Shahamat (16), who were shot in the head and back.
On January 3, approximately 100 detainees were transferred to Qom Central Prison.
It was reported that all detainees are being held in a single hall, including children under 18 and dozens of injured individuals.
It was reported that one protester, Soroush Javidi (17), lost consciousness due to severe blood loss. It remains unclear whether he received proper medical treatment after being taken to the prison infirmary. Javidi was reportedly transferred the same day to Shiraz (Adel Abad) Central Prison.
The identities of 24 protesters were established.
Meanwhile, state media began broadcasting so-called “confession” videos belonging to protesters whose identities were not disclosed. The Islamic Republic–affiliated Fars News Agency published the “confessions” of three young men from Khorramabad and two girls aged 16 and 18 from Isfahan.
It is known that authorities have previously broadcast confessions extracted under pressure and torture before judicial proceedings began. Such “confessions” are later used as evidence in trials where the right to a fair hearing is violated.