Children Victims of the Suppression of January 2026
Following the protests of January 2026 in Iran, which erupted in response to economic crises, rising inflation, expanding poverty, and severe restrictions on civil liberties, a widespread wave of repression against protesters by the Islamic Republic took place.
During these protests, children and teenagers were also targeted by security forces. According to available reports, at least 230 children were killed by direct shootings or military ammunition.
These killings are considered a clear violation of children’s rights and the international obligations of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the protection of children’s lives and safety.
Issued Sentences
So far, death sentences have been issued for 30 detainees arrested during the Azar and Dey protests.
Arrests and Threats
Thousands of children under the age of 18 were arrested during the protests and subjected to pressure and threats by security forces.
Physical and Psychological Harm
Numerous reports of beatings, torture, humiliation, and forced confessions from detained children have been published.
Disruption of Education
The atmosphere of insecurity and fear has deprived many children of education and seriously threatens their psychological well-being and academic future.
With the continuation of the execution process of political prisoners in Iran, on May 9, 2026, the Islamic Republic executed Amirhossein Hatami, a teenager arrested during the January 2026 protests, on charges of “setting fire to a military site.”
Also, Mohammad Hossein Khorshidvand, a 15-year-old teenager from Khorramabad, was arrested in January 2026 by security forces at his family home in Mehr Housing Complex, Khorramabad. He is currently being held in Ward 9 of Tehran Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center, and concerns about his fate, safety, and the possibility of severe sentences against him have increased.
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
- Article 19: Equal rights without ethnic or racial discrimination
- Article 27: Freedom of assembly and demonstrations
- Article 38: Prohibition of torture
Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Article 6: Right to life
- Article 15: Freedom of association and assembly
- Article 19: Protection of children against all forms of violence
- Article 27: Right to an adequate standard of living
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Article 3: Right to life for everyone
- Article 5: Prohibition of torture
- Article 9: Freedom from arbitrary arrest or exile
- Article 19: Freedom of expression
- Article 20: Freedom of assembly and protest
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Defense of the Rights of Child and Adolescent Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
