Statement 1656 by the Defense of Women`s Rights Committee on From Protest to Disappearance: What Happened to the Detainees?

From Protest to Disappearance: What Happened to the Detainees?

Ambiguity Regarding the Fate of the January 2026 Detainees:

The protests of January 2026 emerged amidst structural deadlock, a livelihood crisis, political gridlock, and a collapse of public trust.

Field evidence shows that instead of political accountability, a security approach—including lethal violence, mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and covert operations—was adopted.

This path has not only failed to solve the crisis but has deepened it.

Due to a lack of transparency, statistics vary:

• Official Iranian Government Figures: 3,117 killed.
• HRANA News Agency: 7,015 confirmed deaths; 11,744 other cases under investigation.
• The Guardian: Estimated between 3,000 to 3,650 deaths.
• Regarding arrests, estimates exceed 50,000 people.

It is reported that students, union activists, women, and individuals under 18 are among the detainees.

Additionally, thousands remain in a state of “incommunicado” (no information), and families are unaware of their loved ones’ whereabouts.

The Missing and Detainees with No Information:

Several thousand people are in a state of “unaccounted for” status.

Families have no information on the location of their loved ones and are under security pressure to remain silent.

According to human rights definitions, this situation constitutes Enforced Disappearance.

Fate of the Detainees (Based on the Islamic Republic’s Track Record):

• Scenario 1: Conditional release and case fabrication.
• Scenario 2: Heavy judicial sentences.
• Scenario 3: Continued isolation and psychological pressure.
• Scenario 4: Death in custody (based on past precedents: risk of torture, mistreatment, alleged suicide, or cardiac arrest).

Let Us Be the Voice of the Missing Protesters:

With approximately two months passing since the protests of January 7 and 8, 2026, serious ambiguities remain regarding the status and burial locations of some victims, especially women.

Reports indicate that in some cases, bodies were buried without informing the families, or conflicting and incomplete information was provided regarding the cause of death and burial site.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

• Article 1: All are born free and equal.
• Article 2: Freedom from discrimination.
• Article 3: Right to life.
• Article 5: Prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment.
• Article 19: Right to freedom of expression.

Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran:

• Article 19: Equal rights regardless of ethnicity or race.
• Article 27: Freedom of assembly and marches.
• Article 38: Prohibition of torture.