Extralegal and Widespread Arrests in Khuzestan Coinciding with Nationwide Protests

During the nationwide protests, hundreds of people have been arrested in various cities of Khuzestan province; accounts describe violent treatment, detention in military barracks, and threats of moharebeh charges.

Iran Human Rights Society, Monday, February 9, 2026 – According to field reports from Khuzestan province, a wave of widespread, arbitrary, and family-uninformed arrests has taken place amid the nationwide protests. Conditions of detention in some cases have included humiliating treatment, transfer to military barracks, and threats of heavy charges.

Surge in arrests across various cities of Khuzestan

Different cities of Khuzestan—including Ahvaz, Mahshahr, Shadegan, and Abadan—have witnessed extensive and targeted arrests. Local witnesses have reported heavy presence of repressive forces in streets and neighborhoods. According to field accounts, in some neighborhoods, due to the overcrowding of detainees, they have been transferred to other detention facilities such as those in Ahvaz.

Gatherings of families of detainees in front of police stations and courthouses also indicate the high volume of arrests. Nevertheless, no official statistics or transparency regarding the number of detainees has been released by the authorities to date.

Raids on homes and arrest of family members in place of the targeted individual

In some areas, security forces have entered homes without presenting a judicial warrant. In cases where the targeted person was not present, a family member has been arbitrarily detained. There are also reports that some individuals were arrested solely because of wearing dark clothing or using a face mask on the street.

Arrest of teenagers on the pretext of being present on the street

A significant portion of the detainees are teenagers who did not even participate in the protests. According to statements from some of them, merely being present on the street during the security situation has been considered by security forces as participation in the nationwide protests and has served as the basis for their arrest.

Detention in military barracks and inhuman conditions

Due to lack of capacity in official detention centers, a number of detainees have been transferred to military barracks around Ahvaz. Local sources report holding people in open spaces, nightly stripping, and humiliating treatment. In one case, a family—after initial denial by officials—found their detained son in critical condition.

Moharebeh charges against detainees of the nationwide protests

Some reports indicate that charges such as “moharebeh” have been leveled against detainees—an accusation that, under the ruling system’s laws, can carry penalties such as execution or long-term imprisonment. This is while for many detainees, no transparent judicial process has been followed and they have not been provided with a lawyer.

Those killed in the protests in Khuzestan

During the suppression of the nationwide protests on January 8, 2026, at least two individuals named Saeed Sadeghi Hasanvand and Javad Heydari were killed. Local sources believe the number of fatalities may be higher. However, due to the intense security atmosphere, full identification of victims has not been possible.

Systematic violation of detainees’ rights in Khuzestan

The conduct of the ruling system toward detainees of the nationwide protests in Khuzestan has violated a series of key human rights provisions.

Violation of the prohibition of arbitrary detention: Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.
Violation of the rights of children and adolescents: Article 3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – In all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.
Violation of the prohibition of inhuman treatment: Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
Violation of the right to a fair trial: Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – The right to legal assistance and fair trial must be guaranteed.
Violation of the presumption of innocence: Article 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial.

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