Hengaw report: Widespread arbitrary arrests amid the ongoing Iran–Israel war — At least 150 arrested

In the wake of the ongoing war between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, Iranian security institutions have launched a widespread wave of arbitrary arrests across various cities. The detained face accusations such as “espionage for Mossad,” “media support for Israel,” and “disturbing public opinion.” Most of those arrested are civilians and social media users.

According to information obtained by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, dozens of people, including civil society activists, social media users, university professors, and even laborers, have been detained in this wave of repression. These arrests have taken place as part of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s retaliatory and suppressive policies and have been carried out without adherence to basic human rights standards.

Arrests without fair trials and forced confessions

Hengaw’s investigation states that these arrests have taken place without any fair legal proceedings. Many detainees have been subjected to pressure during interrogations and forced into confessions. State media have then used these coerced confessions to justify further arrests.

Official Iranian media have acknowledged this pattern, stating:

“Given the confessions obtained from arrested Mossad agents, Mossad operates through a chain network in which members are often unaware of one another and are directed by foreign operators.”

Number of detainees by city

Based on official reports published by Iranian state-affiliated media, the following arrests have been confirmed:

Baneh, Kurdistan (Sanandaj) Province – 1 person on charges of “espionage for Mossad”

Ilam – 1 person in a military garrison on charges of “espionage for Mossad”

Lorestan – 18 people accused of “disturbing public security”

Savojbolagh, Alborz Province – 2 people charged with “Mossad membership” and “security collaboration with the enemy”

Fashafouyeh and southern Tehran Province – 3 people charged with “Mossad membership,” “possession of explosives,” “holding drones,” and “espionage”

Ardabil  – 5 people arrested for social media activity, charged with “disturbing public opinion”

Tehran – 28 people accused of being part of an operational network linked to Israel

Isfahan – 16 people arrested; judicial cases opened for another 60 people on charges of “media support for Israel,” “propaganda against the state,” “insulting martyrs,” and “disturbing public opinion”

Golestan – 3 people charged with “disturbing public opinion”

Mazandaran – 15 people accused of “spreading falsehoods” and “disturbing public opinion”

Semnan – 21 people arrested for social media activity, accused of “disturbing public opinion”

Hormozgan – 14 people accused of “spreading rumors related to Israel”

Kerman – 2 people charged with “media support for Israel”

Lali, Khuzestan Province – 4 people arrested for “propaganda activity in favor of Israel on social media”

Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province – 1 people charged with “creating psychological unrest in society”

Furthermore, according to verified report obtained by Hengaw, on Tuesday, June 17, at least 18 girls under the age of 18 were arrested by the Intelligence Department in Mahabad for posting content related to the Iran–Israel war on social media. After several hours of interrogation and the opening of judicial cases, they were temporarily released on bail.

Digital repression: Social media users as primary targets

According to Hengaw’s field investigations and collected evidences, many of the detainees were targeted solely for their social media activities, including expressing opinions on the Iran–Israel war or criticizing domestic policies. Some arrests appear intended to instill fear and curtail free expression online. These actions reflect broader efforts by the security apparatus to tighten internet control and suppress dissent.

Judiciary orders swift prosecution amid risk of extrajudicial executions

In continuation of the growing wave of arbitrary arrests, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Chief Justice of Iran, has ordered the “immediate prosecution and punishment” of those arrested in connection with Israel-related charges. Many detainees are being held in security detention centers without access to legal counsel and under severe pressure and prolonged interrogation.

This directive represents a clear violation of the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence, and is seen as part of a retaliatory campaign in response to Israeli attacks. Accelerated judicial rulings without due process raise serious concerns about extrajudicial and expedited executions.

Official threats and harsh detention conditions

The Ministry of Intelligence and IRGC Intelligence Organization have both issued statements threatening that any real or perceived collaboration with Israel will be met with “maximum punishment.” These threats are made while detainees remain incommunicado, denied legal representation, and held under duress in security facilities.

On June 12, Iran’s Attorney General issued a statement warning that media outlets and social media users who publish content that “harms public mental security” would face legal action. Concurrently, Mizan News Agency reported that authorities would take legal measures against what they called “false content.” These actions are part of the state’s ongoing strategy to suppress free expression and tighten control over the public sphere.

Arrests of civil and academic activists

Hengaw had previously reported the arrests of several people in this latest wave of repression. On June 13, Motahareh Gouneh’i, a student activist and former political prisoner, was arrested and taken to an undisclosed location after publicly expressing views on Israel’s attacks. Around the same time, Masoumeh Shahnavaz, a retired teacher, was arrested in Sabzevar after security forces raided her home.

Mostafa Mehraeen, a sociologist and university professor, was also arrested and transferred to Evin Prison after publishing an open letter addressed to Ali Khamenei. These arrests reflect the continuation of the state’s policy of suppressing civil and academic voices.

Execution of Esmail Fekri

On the fourth day of the Iran–Israel war, Esmail Fekri, a Tehran resident previously sentenced to death on charges of “espionage for Israel,” was executed. This execution was carried out despite serious flaws in judicial proceedings and in violation of fair trial standards.

Hengaw had earlier warned of the risk of executions against political prisoners, viewing such acts as part of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s revenge-driven and repressive strategies in response to external crises and domestic dissent.

Hengaw condemns crackdown, urges international action on arbitrary arrests

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights strongly condemns this wave of arbitrary arrests. It asserts that under the cover of external conflict, the Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified domestic repression, using security-related accusations to restrict freedom of expression and the online activities of people and activists. Hengaw urges immediate action from international human rights organizations and independent oversight of the conditions of the detainees.