Iranian Security Forces Face Sexual Abuse Allegations During Protests
Iranian security forces stand accused of committing sexual violations against detained protesters. Human rights organizations report these disturbing incidents include the abuse of a 16-year-old teenager. The allegations emerge from the ongoing nationwide protests that have gripped Iran since late December 2025.
Detailed Accounts of Abuse Surface
The Kurdistan Human Rights Network provided specific details about two cases in Kermanshah. Rebin Rahmani of KHRN told The Guardian that security forces used batons to touch detainees' bodies inappropriately. Officers reportedly beat protesters and applied pressure to sensitive areas through their clothing.
"During the transfer, security forces touched their bodies with batons," Rahmani explained. "They beat and applied pressure to the anal area with a baton through the clothing." These accounts come from individuals who experienced this treatment firsthand while in custody.
Mass Detentions and Fatalities Mount
Advocacy groups express serious concern about the fate of detained activists. More than 20,000 Iranian protesters have been arrested since the demonstrations began. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports 3,766 confirmed deaths during the protests. An additional 8,949 fatalities remain under investigation.
The violence has claimed lives across different demographics. Hengaw, a Kurdish rights group based in Norway, documented several tragic cases:
- Sholeh Sotoudeh, a pregnant woman from Langarud, died alongside her fetus when troops fired on protesters
- Soran Feyzizadeh, a 40-year-old activist, died from torture injuries sustained in prison
Families Face Additional Hardships
Relatives of victims encounter significant obstacles when trying to recover loved ones' bodies. Awyar Shekhi of Hengaw described how Feyzizadeh's family had to "pay a heavy sum just to retrieve his body from the authorities." The activist's body showed severe injuries from repeated blows.
A close relative told The Guardian about the restrictive conditions in Saqqez. "The city was militarized, and movement was completely restricted," they said. "They killed him. They killed Soran so brutally." Families report being prevented from supporting each other during these traumatic times.
Pattern of Abuse Extends Beyond Current Protests
These recent allegations follow similar patterns from previous demonstrations. During the 2022 protests, prisoners documented instances of rape, physical assault, and torture by law enforcement. One victim described being blindfolded before suffering sexual abuse by interrogators.
The KHRN continues investigating other potential custodial deaths. They are currently verifying two additional cases involving a woman from Kermanshah and a man from Marivan. Both deaths allegedly resulted from actions by security personnel.
Communication Barriers Complicate Documentation
Persistent internet shutdowns have created significant challenges for documenting abuses. These restrictions block direct communication with protesters inside Iran. The information blackout makes verifying reports increasingly difficult for human rights organizations.
Meanwhile, the Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre has identified concerning developments. Over 549 detainees, including 51 women, have been transferred to Yazd central prison. This movement raises grave safety concerns for these individuals given the documented patterns of abuse.
The situation remains fluid as protests continue across Iran. Human rights groups maintain their calls for international attention and accountability regarding these serious allegations against Iranian security forces.
