With the start of a new wave of protests in Abdanan, the internet and telephone lines were cut off; at the same time, reports indicate shooting by repressive forces and the dispatch of military commanders to this city.
Iran Human Rights Society, Monday, February 16, 2026 – Simultaneous with the beginning of a new wave of popular protests on the evening of Monday, February 16, the city of Abdanan faced widespread internet outages and severe disruptions in mobile and landline telephone services. This action took place while reports indicate the presence of repressive forces and shooting towards protesters. Abdanan had previously become one of the main centers of popular anger during the bloody suppression of the protests in December 2025 – January 2026.
Communication Disruptions; A Tool to Control Protests in Abdanan
Received reports show that simultaneous with the formation of gatherings in Abdanan, mobile internet was completely or severely cut off. In addition, mobile phone services faced widespread disruptions, and even some landline telephones were disconnected.
This action is evaluated within the framework of the policy of restricting communications during social crises. Cutting off communications reduces the possibility of coordination among protesters and the publication of field images and reports.
In Abdanan, this outage occurred simultaneously with the beginning of the protests and in the initial hours of the gatherings; a matter that indicates a security decision to control the flow of information.
Shooting Towards People and Dispatch of Military Commanders
According to reports, repressive forces have taken action to disperse the protesters in Abdanan. Local sources have reported shooting towards the people.
Also, to intensify the security atmosphere, the border regiment commander along with two other military commanders have been dispatched to Abdanan. This action indicates an increase in the level of security intervention in this city.
During the bloody suppression of the nationwide protests of 2025–2026, the dispatch of special forces and senior commanders to protesting cities including Abdanan had also been reported.
Abdanan; From the Bloody Month to the New Wave of Protests
Abdanan was one of the cities that witnessed the bloody suppression of popular protests in December 2025 – January 2026. During those protests, repressive forces targeted a significant number of citizens by shooting directly at the protesters.
The bloody suppression of the nationwide protests of 2025–2026 across the country left thousands dead. In Abdanan as well, the protests faced shooting and severe security confrontations.
Now, on the eve of the 40th day (Chehelom) of Alireza Seidi, one of the martyrs of those protests, the people have once again taken to the streets. This presence shows that the atmosphere of fear has not been able to prevent the return of protests.
People’s Reaction; Overcoming the Atmosphere of Terror
Reports indicate that the people of Abdanan, after experiencing the bloody suppression of the nationwide protests of 2025–2026, have not only not retreated from being present in the streets, but are expressing their anger more openly.
In some cases, protesters have moved towards governmental centers and symbols. This behavior indicates a change in the psychological atmosphere in the city.
The bloody suppression of the nationwide protests of 2025–2026 which left thousands dead, was carried out with the aim of creating general terror. Nevertheless, the continuation of protests in Abdanan shows that this goal has not been fully achieved.
Violation of the Right to Access Communications and Freedom of Assembly in Abdanan
The actions taken in Abdanan are in conflict with fundamental principles of human rights:
- Violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information: Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Everyone has the right to receive and impart information through any media.
- Violation of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly: Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.
- Violation of the principle of proportionality in the use of force: International standards on the use of firearms – The use of force must be limited and proportionate.
- Violation of the right to personal security: Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
See also the below articles:
- Deprivation of Ehsan Hosseinipour from Chosen Lawyer; Revelation About the Proceedings of the Pakdasht Mosque Trial
- Trial of Three Protesters from the 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests Held in Tehran Revolutionary Court
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