Plainclothes Iranian security forces have rounded up thousands in a campaign of intimidation to deter further protests, according to sources contacted by Reuters.<\/p>\n
Modest protests started last month in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over economic hardship and quickly broadened, with demonstrators calling for the ruling clerics to step down. Authorities responded with internet shutdowns and heavy force.<\/p>\n
From inside Iran, activists said detainees were being held in secret lockups and that arrests targeted broad segments of the population, aiming to inject fear into society.<\/p>\n
Lawyers, medics and witnesses, all speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed a pattern of mass detentions and intensified street presence around checkpoints.<\/p>\n
Two Iranian officials privately confirmed to Reuters that thousands had been arrested in recent days, with many held in unofficial facilities such as warehouses. The judiciary acts quickly to process cases.<\/p>\n
The government has not publicly disclosed arrest totals or detention locations. Official counts cited earlier indicate thousands of arrests and a high death toll in the riots.<\/p>\n
The latest toll from HRANA, a U.S.-based rights group, reports 6.373 fatalities in the unrest, including civilians and security personnel. Arrests total 42.486, according to HRANA.<\/p>\n
Amnesty International has warned of sweeping detentions, disappearances and restrictions on gatherings following the protests. Rights groups say the repression risks broader confrontation.<\/p>\n
Several families seek legal help for detained relatives, including some under 18. Doctors reported injuries from protests and said some wounded protesters were removed from hospitals by security forces.<\/p>\n
Human rights advocates emphasize that many detainees lack access to lawyers or family contact, complicating efforts to track their status. Officials have not provided detailed updates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"