Iran Human Rights: At least 51 killed in protests amid nationwide internet blackout

At least 51 protesters, including nine children under the age of 18, have been killed and hundreds more injured in the first thirteen days of a renewed wave of nationwide protests in Iran, the International Human Rights Network Group (IHRNGO) reported.

IHRNGO has also received reports of additional fatalities in Tehran, Mashhad, Karaj (Fardis), and Hamedan, which are currently being verified and not included in the official tally.

The unrest, which began on December 28, 2025 in Tehran’s bazaar over deteriorating economic conditions, quickly spread to other parts of the country, accompanied by anti-government slogans. By January 8, protests and strikes had grown more widespread than in previous days, culminating in a nationwide internet blackout by 22:00 local time.

IHRNGO Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam warned of the potential for escalated repression following the blackout, drawing parallels with the November 2019 crackdown. “The nationwide internet shutdown is reminiscent of the bloody crackdown on the November 2019 protests when several hundred protesters were killed,” he said.

“Over the past 13 days, the extent of the government’s use of force against protesters has been increasing, and the risk of intensified violence and the widespread killing of protesters after the internet shutdown is very serious. The international community must act immediately to ensure people in Iran have access to a free internet, and countries that have diplomatic relations with Iran must, in a clear and decisive message, tell the Islamic Republic that the world will not tolerate the killing of protesters.”

According to IHRNGO, protests occurred in all provinces and approximately 120 cities during the first thirteen days. Verified fatalities span 11 provinces, including nine minors, with the organization working to confirm exact ages through documentation.

On January 7, at least two protesters were reported killed in western Iran. Iranian state media reported fatalities among both security forces and protesters, including six unnamed protesters in Hamedan. On January 8, footage from Fardis (Karaj) indicated a significant number of deaths, with additional reports from other cities currently under verification.

State forces continue to employ live ammunition against demonstrators, and mass arrests have been reported in multiple cities, with the total number of detainees now exceeding 2,200.

January 8, marked the most extensive day of protests, with cities including Tabriz, Urmia, and Ardabil joining the demonstrations. Around 50 Kurdish cities also participated in a general strike following a call from seven Kurdish political groups. At least 36 Iranian universities have engaged in protests and chanted anti-government slogans over the past thirteen days.

On January 9, Baluch minorities in Zahedan staged a protest following Friday prayers at Maki mosque, which was met with live fire. This echoes Zahedan’s “Bloody Friday” during the 2022–2023 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, when over 100 protesters were killed outside the mosque.

The nationwide internet blackout, which began at 22:00 on January 8, left 99% of the country offline by the following morning. The last comparable shutdown occurred in November 2019, when hundreds—and by some reports up to 1,500—protesters were killed.

In response to the protests, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described demonstrators as “vandals” and “rioters,” warning that the government would not back down.

By Vafa Guliyeva