CSDHI – Iranian security forces arrest doctors and protesters as the crackdown on the popular uprising intensifies amid fears of the death penalty.

The current popular uprising in Iran, which began in late December 2025 amid an economic crisis and widespread public discontent, has morphed into one of the most severe crackdowns in the country’s recent history. As security forces intensify their efforts to stifle all dissent, credible reports indicate the arrest of medical professionals who treated injured protesters, and human rights organizations warn that protesters could face death sentences in the face of extremely harsh judicial responses.

The crackdown targets doctors and rescue workers

Several human rights organizations report that Iranian security forces have arrested volunteer doctors and medical personnel who provided care to those injured during the protests. According to Iran Human Rights , agents raided clinics and private homes to arrest healthcare workers, including Dr. Ameneh Soleimani , who was reportedly detained for treating injured protesters in Ardabil . At least four other volunteer doctors and first responders have also been detained, though their current status and whereabouts are unclear.

In one documented case, authorities reportedly raided the home of volunteer medic Khosrow Minaei , confiscated his belongings, and arrested him after he provided medical assistance to injured protesters. This crackdown aims to intimidate medical personnel and discourage the treatment of protest-related injuries.

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Hospitals that are no longer safe: arrests within medical facilities

The principle of medical neutrality —according to which caregivers and patients must be protected during times of conflict—appears to be under serious threat. A United Nations human rights expert has reported that Iranian security forces are arresting injured protesters directly in hospitals , taking them away during treatment or after their discharge. Such practices can deter people from seeking urgent medical care and constitute a serious violation of international standards.

In some cases, family members attempting to recover the bodies of their loved ones have reportedly been victims of extortion , being asked for large sums of money in exchange for the return of the remains of deceased protesters.

Fears of executions in a context of escalating legal proceedings

Alongside the arrests, fears are growing that Iranian authorities intend to use the death penalty against protesters and others accused of serious offenses. In early January, Iranian judicial officials publicly stated that protest participants and those suspected of supporting them would be severely punished, including on charges carrying the death penalty. Reports indicate that protesters have been charged with « moharebeh » —or « war against God »—an offense punishable by death under Iranian law.

According to human rights monitoring organizations, at least several dozen executions linked to arrests during the protests reportedly took place in early January, although state media and authorities have disputed or denied some of these reports. International observers have expressed grave concern about the prospect of summary trials or death sentences without transparent due process.

A highly publicized case involves Erfan Soltani , a 26-year-old protester sentenced to death in mid-January, although subsequent reports indicated that judicial authorities denied that the execution was imminent or had taken place.

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Mass demonstrations and widespread repression

The protests began on December 28, 2025 , initially triggered by a sharp economic downturn and currency collapse, before expanding into broader anti-government protests demanding systemic political change. Security forces responded with lethal force , including the use of live ammunition and mass arrests, with estimates of the death toll ranging from several thousand to potentially tens of thousands —figures difficult to verify due to internet shutdowns and information suppression.

Organizations such as Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights have documented widespread violations, including unlawful killings , arbitrary detentions , and forced confessions . They emphasize that Iran’s recent actions may constitute crimes under international law and call for urgent international attention and independent investigations.

International reactions and human rights concerns

The international community, including UN human rights officials, condemned the detention of medical personnel and the harassment of injured protesters . Calls for respect for medical neutrality and the legal treatment of detainees were echoed by human rights groups and diplomats worldwide.

However, the Iranian government continues to portray the protests as security threats and insists on harsh sanctions against alleged perpetrators. This stance reflects a broader strategy to stifle dissent and deter future mobilization, even at the cost of international condemnation and increased scrutiny of the human rights situation.