Key insights
-
1
Iranian authorities threatened capital charges for protest participation: Iran’s attorney general warned that anyone taking part in protests would be considered an “enemy of God,” and said even those who “helped rioters” would face the charge, with proceedings to be conducted “without leniency.”
-
2
Internet and phone restrictions limited outside assessment of protests: With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging demonstrations from abroad became more difficult.
-
3
Concern was expressed that the internet shutdown could enable a violent crackdown: Concern was reported that the internet shutdown would allow security forces to carry out a bloody crackdown, and Ali Rahmani referenced hundreds killed in 2019 protests.
Takeaways
As of January 11, 2026, protests continued in multiple Iranian cities while activists reported at least 116 deaths, thousands of detentions, and escalating official threats alongside communications shutdowns.
Topics
World & Politics International Affairs Conflicts Human Rights