Nationwide Protests (28 Dec 2025–9 Jan 2026), Repression, Internet Shutdown, and the Right of Nations to Self-Determination in the Geography Known as Iran

By: KURDNATION
Source note (once): This article is based on compiled human-rights and international media reporting, and on the field/news monitoring of KurdNation (the official website of the Kurdistan Independence Movement), with particular attention to Kurdistan, Baluchistan, Ahwaz, and Persian-inhabited cities during this period.
Date: 9 January 2026 (19 Dey 1404)

1) Executive Summary

1. The recent wave of protests began on 28 December 2025, centered on a livelihood crisis, inflation, and the collapse of the national currency’s value, and within a few days turned into nationwide protests of a political character.
2. The government’s response in most areas has been harsh repression and extensive securitization, including: direct firing/use of coercive force, pellet gun fire, tear gas, beatings, night raids on homes, widespread arrests, intimidation of families, and threats aimed at imposing silence.
3. Due to internet shutdowns/restrictions and the overall security environment, accurate figures cannot be independently verified in a single integrated manner; however, based on the compilation of reports to date, dozens have been killed (in some estimates approximately 42 to 45, including several children and teenagers) and more than 2,200 arrests have been reported.
4. KurdNation field reporting indicates that the pattern of repression in regions inhabited by non-Persian nations—especially Kurdistan, Baluchistan, and Ahwaz—has in many cases been more severe, more violent, and accompanied by mass arrests.
5. This situation is not merely a domestic crisis; the continuation of repression, the cutting of communications, the rise in casualties, and the scale of arrests have direct consequences for regional stability and the fundamental principles of human rights, and require a responsible and effective response from the international community.
6. On 8 January 2026 (18 Dey 1404), multiple Kurdish political forces—both independence-oriented and federalist—issued public calls for a general strike across Kurdistan in support of the nationwide protests and in response to the bloody crackdown, particularly in Kermashan, Ilam/Malekshahi, and Lorestan. According to KurdNation monitoring, the strike was widely observed across Kurdistan, with broad participation across bazaars, workplaces, and social institutions.

2) Methodology, Sources, and Verification Limitations

Due to widespread internet disruption/shutdown, media threats, arrests, a policing atmosphere, and security pressure, free access to information has been restricted in many cities, reducing the possibility of independent verification. Therefore:

• The sections related to Kurdistan, Baluchistan, and Ahwaz, as well as some cities in the west and northwest, are mainly prepared on the basis of KurdNation field reporting, local testimonies, contact through social/family networks, and regional monitoring.
• The overall figures for deaths and arrests are presented on the basis of multi-source compilation (human rights reporting, field accounts, credible media reporting, and communications monitoring, including reports related to internet blackout) and are stated with caution and noted uncertainty.

3) Background and Nature of the Protests: From Economic Demands to Structural Protest

Based on trends recorded in the first days, the protests began with economic and livelihood demands: sharp price increases, reduced purchasing power, chronic inflation, and the collapse of the national currency’s value. However, within a short period in many cities, the protests moved beyond livelihood issues and turned into political protest against the ruling structure; slogans and actions expanded toward rejecting the overall status quo, protesting repression, and demanding political change.
KurdNation simultaneously reported that strikes—especially in Kurdistan and parts of western Iran—played a key role in sustaining the wave and turning it into a nationwide crisis.

4) Geographic Scope and Forms of Protest Action

In this period, protest actions have mainly been observed in the following forms:

• Street protests and night gatherings in neighborhoods and urban centers
• Bazaar strikes and the closure of businesses (especially in Tehran and then in some cities of the west and Kurdistan)
• The presence of students and youth in city squares and university campuses
• The spread of protest to small and medium-sized towns, indicating the depth of social dissatisfaction

KurdNation reported that in many areas, the government resorted to internet shutdowns, checkpoints, preventive arrests, and intimidation operations to suppress organization and prevent the documentation of violations.

5) Patterns of Repression and High-Risk Human Rights Violations

5.1) Field Violence and the Use of Coercive Force

Based on KurdNation field reporting and human rights data:

• Widespread beatings, pellet gun fire, the use of tear gas, and in some cases direct shooting have been reported.
• Night raids on homes and arrests in the late hours of the night have been observed as a recurring pattern.
• Security pressure on families to remain silent, refrain from informing the public, and avoid ceremonies has been reported.

5.2) Mass Arrests and Judicial–Security Pressure

• Arrests have encompassed a wide range: street protesters, local activists, students, youth, bazaar merchants, and ordinary citizens.
• Reports indicate transfers of detainees to security centers, intensive interrogations, deprivation of adequate access to legal counsel, and pressure for forced confessions or compulsory undertakings.

5.3) Internet Shutdown and Suppression of Communications

At key moments, the internet in Tehran and then on a broader national level has been cut or severely restricted. Consequences include:

• Weakening independent reporting and increasing ambiguity about the number of victims
• Increasing risks for the injured (limiting families’ access to assistance and medical information)
• Making it more difficult to record and verify violations and creating de facto impunity for perpetrators

From a human rights perspective, restricting communications during a crisis can lead to intensified violence and increased casualties.

6) Regional Reporting: Kurdistan (including Kermashan, Ilam/Malekshahi, Lorestan, Abdanan, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari), Baluchistan, and Ahwaz

6.1) Kurdistan and the Wider Kurdistan/Zagros Protest Belt

(Sanandaj, Saqqez, Mahabad, Marivan, Kermashan/Kermanshah, Ilam/Malekshahi, Lorestan (Kuhdasht & Azna), Abdanan, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari)

6.1.1) Kurdistan and Kurdish Cities (Sanandaj, Saqqez, Mahabad, Marivan, etc.)

Kurdistan has been one of the main and continuous axes of protest. Based on KurdNation field monitoring:

• Gatherings continued with broad participation and explicit slogans.
• Repression included pellets, tear gas, raids on homes, arrests of activists, and systematic pressure on families.
• Cases of protesters being killed (including teenagers), severe injuries, and widespread arrests were recorded in various locations.
• The security atmosphere in many cities is described as militarized, with increased security presence at entrances/exits and central areas.

6.1.2) Kermashan/Kermanshah

• Kermashan was among the first active centers of protests in the west, with gatherings involving youth and bazaar merchants.
• The response included heavy deployment, tear gas, beatings, and in some cases direct shooting.
• Arrests—especially in neighborhoods and marginal areas—were significant.

6.1.3) Ilam and Malekshahi

• In Ilam and especially Malekshahi, cases of direct shooting and the killing of protesters were reported.
• Internet access was cut or restricted at various times and control of travel routes increased.
• Pressure on families to avoid publicizing victims’ names and details was reported.

6.1.4) Lorestan (Kuhdasht and Azna)

• Kuhdasht was among the harshest sites of repression, with reports of direct shooting and protesters killed/injured.
• In Azna, local internet cuts, checkpoints, and night arrests were used to control protests.

6.1.5) Abdanan

• Protests were held with broad participation by youth and families.
• Repression included pellet gun fire, severe beatings, and night arrests, with multiple killed and injured reported.

6.1.6) Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari

• In Shahrekord and surrounding areas, protests were continuous and security forces responded with raids, pellets, and widespread arrests.
• Reports of casualties, numerous injuries, and an intense security atmosphere were recorded.

6.2) Baluchistan

• Protests continued despite heavy security pressure, with repression often described as severe and militarized.
• Widespread arrests, threats against families, and restrictions on reporting were recorded.
• Due to communications limits, precise disaggregated figures for each city require further access; however, KurdNation confirms severe repression and mass arrests.

6.3) Ahwaz

Based on KurdNation reporting:

• Protests were reported in Ahwaz/Khuzestan, with a high-intensity security response.
• The pattern included arrests, intimidation, restrictions on reporting, and systematic pressure, raising serious concern regarding repression of the Arab nation of Ahwaz.

7) Persian-inhabited Cities and Major Centers

• Tehran was the initial focal point; bazaars and streets witnessed gatherings and security confrontations followed by intensified communications restrictions.
• In Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Qom, and several other cities, street protests and waves of arrests were reported.
• In major cities, the government combined field repression with strict media control, securitization of public space, and communications restrictions.

8) Compiled Figures of the Killed, Injured, and Arrested (up to 9 January 2026)

Despite the lack of transparent official figures and the difficulty of independent verification, compiled reporting indicates:

• Killed: at least 42 to 45 in some estimates (including several children and teenagers)
• Injured: no official total published; reports indicate dozens to hundreds (pellets, plastic bullets, severe beatings)
• Arrested: more than 2,200 (some reports cite more than 2,000 to 2,270)

These figures should be considered minimal/compiled, and may rise as repression and communications restrictions continue.

9) International Reactions (Official Summary)

International reactions during this period can be summarized as:

1. Expressing concern about casualties and warning against escalation of violence
2. Emphasizing the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and the need for restraint by security forces
3. Objections to internet shutdowns and calls for restoration of communications and free reporting
4. Calls for the release of detainees linked to peaceful protests and accountability for violations

However, in our view, the level of practical international action and deterrence remains disproportionate to the scale and intensity of violations.

10) Coordinated General Strike in Kurdistan on 8 January 2026 (18 Dey 1404)

In parallel with street protests and in response to intensified repression—particularly in Ilam/Malekshahi, Kermashan, and Lorestan—Kurdistan witnessed a major coordinated act of civil resistance:

10.1) Joint statement by independence-oriented Kurdish forces (call for a nationwide strike in East Kurdistan)

A joint statement issued by five independence-oriented Kurdish parties and movements called on the Kurdish people across East Kurdistan (including Ardalan, Urmia, Mukriyan and other regions) to hold a general strike on Thursday, 18 Dey (8 January), including an organized and broad strike across bazaars, workplaces, universities, schools, and social institutions.
The signatories explicitly framed the action as organized civil resistance and emphasized the Kurdish nation’s struggle for dignity, freedom, and the right to self-determination, including the pursuit of political sovereignty and the establishment of Kurdistan.

Signatories (independence-oriented coalition):

• Kurdistan Independence Party
• Kurdistan Serbesti Party
• Yarsani Organization “Yari Kurd”
• Union of Kurdistan Revolutionaries
• Kurdistan Independence Movement

10.2) Federalist Kurdish parties’ call for a public/general strike in Kurdistan

Separately, a statement by Kurdish parties identified in the text as federalist called for a public/general strike in Kurdistan on the same date (18 Dey / 8 January) to support the nationwide protests and to condemn the regime’s actions and the repression, including in Kermashan, Ilam, and Lorestan.

Signatories (federalist parties listed in the statement):

• Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK)
• Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK)
• Khabat Organization of Kurdistan of Iran
• Komala, Kurdistan Organization of the Communist Party of Iran
• Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan
• Komala Party of Kurdistan of Iran
• Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan

10.3) Observed outcome (as monitored by KurdNation)

According to KurdNation monitoring, the general strike on 8 January 2026 was widely carried out across Kurdistan, demonstrating broad public adherence and reinforcing the role of civil strike action as a central form of collective protest and solidarity within this wave.

11) The Lack of Credibility of Authoritarian Alternatives and the Need for an Approach Based on the Rights of Nations

Amid the protests, some currents attempt to appropriate the people’s protest movement in favor of authoritarian alternatives. We emphasize:

• The nations and peoples of this geography have experienced both religious despotism and monarchical despotism, and do not consider a return to the past a solution for the future.
• Any project built on centralism, denial of nations, and reproduction of uniform rule is a continuation of the same cycle of despotism—even if presented with a different appearance.
• A sustainable solution can only be envisioned within the framework of real pluralism, equality of nations, and respect for the right to self-determination.

12) Position of the Kurdistan Independence Movement

We state explicitly that our struggle is not for reforming or “democratizing” the central government. In our view, Iran has functioned as a dominant/occupying power in Kurdistan, and our goal is to end this situation and realize the Kurdish nation’s right to self-determination in accordance with recognized principles of international law and human rights covenants.
At the same time, we believe that other nations as well—including in Baluchistan and Ahwaz—have the right to freely determine their political destiny.

13) Specific Requests to Governments, Institutions, and International Organizations

We request that governments, diplomatic missions, and international organizations:

1. Officially condemn violent repression and the use of lethal coercive force against protesters;
2. Demand the immediate cessation of violence and the release of political prisoners and detainees linked to peaceful protests;
3. Support the establishment of independent and international investigations into killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and widespread human rights violations;
4. Condemn the internet shutdown and suppression of communications and emphasize the necessity of free access to information and communications;
5. Avoid legitimizing authoritarian alternatives that deny the rights of nations;
6. Declare political and legal support for approaches grounded in the right of nations to self-determination and democratic, peaceful mechanisms;
7. Seriously consider accountability mechanisms, including targeted human-rights sanctions against those who order and carry out repression, and protective measures for victims and their families.

Conclusion

What is happening today in the geography known as Iran is a crisis that—through widespread human rights violations, systematic repression, mass arrests, and the cutting of communications—has direct impacts on peace and regional stability. Indifference toward this trend will fuel the continuation of violence, repression-driven radicalization, and sustained instability.
We are ready to provide supplementary documents, field testimonies, and a list of recorded cases (by city/day), along with related human rights documentation, as formal attachments suitable for submission to relevant bodies.