Iran’s Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi said in an interview with state news agencies that “anyone who has been present on the streets since January 8 onward is definitely considered a criminal,” amid ongoing nationwide protests.
"Anyone arrested during this period is definitely a criminal because they were at the scene," he continued.
The Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) issued a statement condemning the use of lethal force against demonstrators. The group said a nationwide internet shutdown has disrupted access to information, emergency services, and the ability to independently document human rights violations.
HRANA called for the immediate restoration of internet access, guaranteed medical services, and independent investigations into human rights abuses, and urged the international community to ensure accountability.
Over 18,000 Iranian arrests confirmed
According to HRANA, 614 protest gatherings have taken place across 187 cities in all 31 Iranian provinces through the seventeenth day of demonstrations. Approximately 18,434 arrests have been confirmed, along with 97 forced confessions and 1,134 people sustaining severe injuries.
The death toll includes 2,403 protesters, including 12 children, and nine non-protesting civilians. Some 147 members of security forces and government supporters have also died, including at least five civilian government supporters.