Iran arrested at least 6,000 people since war began: Rights group

Published May 28, 2026 9:57am ET | Updated May 28, 2026 9:57am ET



The United States and Israel’s war with Iran triggered a massive repression campaign, with Iranian authorities arbitrarily arresting at least 6,000 people since Feb. 28, a new human rights report said.

Among those arrested on a whim were protesters, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, dissidents, and members of ethnic and religious minorities, a report from Amnesty International, published on Thursday, said. The arbitrary arrest campaign was accompanied by the acceleration of “grossly unfair judicial proceedings, politically motivated executions, harsh prison sentences, and asset confiscations,” the group claimed.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.