The United Nations Human Rights Office issued a sharp rebuke Friday against the Iranian government following reports of mass detentions targeting peaceful protesters across multiple provinces. According to verified NGOs, more than 300 individuals have been arrested in the past 48 hours for participating in demonstrations sparked by rising inflation, political censorship, and the anniversary of the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests.
A shorter internal dispatch by Amnesty International cited credible evidence of mistreatment, including reports of detainees being held without formal charges and denied access to legal counsel.
Protests erupted again this week following a spike in fuel prices and food shortages, triggering outrage among working-class citizens already burdened by economic sanctions. Videos circulating on social media show crowds chanting “freedom is our right” and women burning headscarves — echoing themes from past uprisings.
One shorter but alarming report from Tehran’s Evin Prison confirmed the use of solitary confinement for youth activists under age 25. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) also claimed that some arrests targeted families of former protest victims.
In response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusations as “politically motivated propaganda,” accusing Western powers of instigating unrest. But international bodies are pushing back — the EU and Canada have announced new visa bans on Iranian officials suspected of human rights abuses.
Human rights experts warn that the cycle of repression is worsening. “Each wave of protest is met with more aggression, and the world cannot afford silence,” said UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman.
As calls grow for a UN-led independent inquiry, global eyes are once again on Iran — and on whether the international community will respond with more than words.
