Iran arbitrarily arrested at least 6,000 people since war began Since the war began, Iran has arbitrarily arrested at least 6,000 individuals, including protesters, journalists, and minorities. This crackdown accompanies expedited judicial proceedings, politically motivated executions, and asset confiscations. Amnesty International states the government is exploiting the crisis to suppress dissent, targeting anyone criticizing the regime or sharing information about the conflict.

• At least 6,000 people arbitrarily arrested in Iran since February 28.
• Arrestees include protesters, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, dissidents, and minorities.
• Repression includes unfair judicial proceedings, politically motivated executions, harsh sentences, and asset confiscations.
• 39 executions confirmed since the war began, often after expedited prosecutions.
• Iranian authorities are accused of exploiting the crisis to boost their repression apparatus.
• Internet shutdown lasted 88 days, cutting off nearly all Iranians from the outside world.
• Arrests are often based on accusations of conspiring with the U.S. and/or Israel.
• Reasons for arrest include possessing Starlink equipment, sharing war information, and insulting national symbols.
• The repression is linked to the vulnerability of the Islamic regime following strikes.
• The process accelerated Iran’s change into a de facto military dictatorship under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.