Reports Indicate Violation of Fair Trial Principles, Widespread Arrests, and Intensified Control of Information in Various Cities of Iran
Iran Human Rights Society, Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – Despite the announcement of a ceasefire in the recent conflicts, reports show that the process of arresting citizens in various parts of Iran continues. These arrests are taking place while access to the internet has been severely restricted and the possibility of independent information dissemination faces serious obstacles; a situation that has increased concerns about the violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Continuation of Arrests in the Shadow of the Ceasefire
While it was expected that with the cessation of conflicts, the security atmosphere would decrease, the published reports indicate the continuation of the arrest of citizens in various cities of the country. These arrests are mainly carried out with general charges such as “undermining national security,” “cooperation with the enemy,” or “spreading rumors among the public”; charges that in many cases are raised without presenting clear documentation.
Observers believe that the use of these general titles has provided the ground for extensive and non-transparent confrontations and has limited the possibility of effective defense for the accused.
Internet Shutdown and Severe Restriction of Information Dissemination
Simultaneously with these arrests, access to the internet in Iran has been widely restricted or cut off. This situation has severely reduced the possibility of publishing independent information about the arrests and the situation of the detainees. Reports show that security institutions have confronted individuals who publish news or images related to recent developments. These actions are evaluated as being in the direction of controlling the flow of information and preventing the publication of independent narratives. In such conditions, many families have also been deprived of accurate information about the situation of their relatives.
Widespread Arrests in Various Provinces
Based on official reports, the wave of arrests continues in various provinces of the country. The Intelligence Organization of the IRGC has announced the arrest of 18 people in Hamadan Province on charges of cooperation with the enemy. In Semnan Province, two people have also been arrested as “spies affiliated with Mossad.”
Also in Gilan Province, more than 100 people have been identified and arrested in the form of various networks. Among these individuals, according to official sources, several people have been charged with sending sensitive information and training violent actions in cyberspace.
In another report, news agencies have reported the arrest of at least 50 citizens in connection with publishing information in a Telegram channel. It is said that these individuals have been arrested due to sharing images related to the recent military conflicts.
Expansion of Security Cases and Ambiguity in the Processing Procedure
In East Azerbaijan Province, judicial authorities have announced the formation of more than 60 security cases since the beginning of the war. According to the prosecutor of this province, some of these cases are accompanied by charges at the level of “enmity against God (muharibah)” and the indictments of some of them have reached the stage of indictment.
However, in these reports, no details have been published about the identity of the accused, the manner of arrest, access to a lawyer, or the processing procedure. This lack of transparency has increased concerns about compliance with the principles of fair trial.
Arrests Due to Media and Virtual Activity
In some cases, arrests have taken place due to activity in cyberspace or connection with the media. For example, in Falavarjan County, seven citizens have been arrested on charges of cooperation with foreign media.
In Parsabad County, three people have also been arrested on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and sending images and information to the media. Also in Natanz, 26 citizens have been arrested due to what has been described as “spreading rumors among the public.”
In most of these cases, no information has been published about the identity of the detainees, their place of detention, and their legal status.
Violation of Fundamental Principles of Fair Trial
Examination of these arrests shows that in many cases, the fundamental principles of fair trial have not been observed. Lack of notification about the charges, restrictions on access to a lawyer, and the absence of transparent judicial supervision are among the cases mentioned in the reports.
Legal experts believe that the use of general and ambiguous charges, without presenting specific evidence, is in conflict with the principle of legality of crime and punishment and can lead to the violation of the rights of the accused.
Increase in Concerns About the Situation of Detainees
In total, the continuation of arrests along with severe restrictions on information dissemination has created a widespread atmosphere of concern. Families of the detainees in many cases are unaware of the situation of their loved ones and the possibility of legal follow-up has also been limited for them.
This situation indicates the intensification of security control and the continuation of restrictive policies even after the cessation of conflicts.
Violation of Human Rights in the New Wave of Arrests
The situation of recent arrests is an example of the violation of several fundamental principles of human rights:
- Violation of Personal Freedom and Security – Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Widespread arrest of citizens with general charges and without presenting clear documentation is a sign of arbitrary arrests.
- Violation of the Right to Fair Trial – Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Lack of transparency in the processing procedure, lack of information about judicial stages, and restrictions on access to a lawyer violate the principles of fair trial.
- Violation of Freedom of Expression – Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Arresting individuals due to publishing information or activity in cyberspace is considered a serious restriction on freedom of expression.
- Violation of the Right to Access Information – Fundamental Principles of Human Rights: Internet shutdown and prevention of free information dissemination have widely restricted citizens’ access to information.
- Violation of Human Dignity – Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Extensive security confrontations and creating an atmosphere of intimidation have affected human dignity and the mental security of society.
See also the below articles:
- Sudden Transfer of 73-Year-Old Political Prisoner Mir Yousef Younesi Raises Serious Concerns
- Death Sentences for Four Iranian Protesters Spark Global Outcry Over Judicial Fairness
Follow Iran Human Rights Society on social networks:
Telegram /Twitter /Instagram / YouTube / Facebook
Join Iran Human Rights Society on Twitter






