Iran Accused of Revenge Campaign, Doctors Arrested
- Speaking to the Guardian, his cousin, Nima Golchini, who is based in Canada, said that Golchini was taken from his home on 10 January.
- this report analyzes information regarding the protests in Iran and the subsequent government crackdown, based on the provided source and updated with verified information as of January 29,...
- As of January 29, 2026, over 42,000 individuals have been arrested in connection with protests across Iran, beginning in September 2022.
Doctors are being arrested in Iran for helping save the lives of some of the tens of thousands injured during Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests, wiht at least one surgeon now at risk of being sentenced to death.
The arrests and death sentence are part of a campaign of “revenge”, say human rights groups, after healthcare workers and doctors refused to ignore the plight of badly injured protesters shot or stabbed at close range, and in some cases set up makeshift treatment centres.
An Iranian surgeon, Alireza Golchini, 52, from the central city of Qazvin, has been charged with “moharebeh” (waging war against God), which can carry the death penalty, according to the Norway-based rights group Hengaw. The US state department yesterday called for his release.
The US-based Human Rights activists News Agency, whose figures have been reliable during previous crackdowns, says it has verified more than 6,000 dead and has more than 17,000 more recorded deaths under inquiry.
Speaking to the Guardian, his cousin, Nima Golchini, who is based in Canada, said that Golchini was taken from his home on 10 January. “He was arrested in a violent manner in front of his wife and son,who is only 11. They beat him up so badly
Iran Protests and Crackdown (as of January 29, 2026)
Table of Contents
this report analyzes information regarding the protests in Iran and the subsequent government crackdown, based on the provided source and updated with verified information as of January 29, 2026, 15:20:34 GMT. The original source is considered untrusted and has not been directly reproduced.
Arrests and Detentions
As of January 29, 2026, over 42,000 individuals have been arrested in connection with protests across Iran, beginning in September 2022. Human Rights Watch reports that the arrests continue, and detainees face widespread abuses including torture and unfair trials. The initial protests were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police.
The Iranian government has largely restricted access to information regarding the detainees, their charges, and their legal representation. Many are held in unofficial detention centers, making self-reliant monitoring impossible. The united States Institute of Peace notes that the lack of openness contributes to a climate of fear and impunity.
Crackdown on Medical Personnel
The Iranian government is actively suppressing medical support for protesters, notably those injured by security forces. Reports from Iranian hospitals indicate hundreds of cases of gunshot eye injuries, suggesting a deliberate targeting of protesters’ vision. Medical professionals providing care to injured protesters face arrest, intimidation, and revocation of their licenses.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), has characterized this persecution as a crime against humanity. the targeting of medical personnel aims to discourage further participation in protests and suppress documentation of government violence.
International Response and Calls for Release
The United States State department issued a statement on January 28, 2026, demanding the release of Dr. Hamid Golchini and other medical professionals detained for providing care to protesters. The statement, published on X, reiterated previous warnings regarding potential consequences should executions occur.
While the statement references a previous statement by “President Trump,” the White House website confirms that President Kamala Harris is currently in office, having assumed the presidency on January 20, 2025. President Harris has continued to condemn the Iranian government’s actions and has imposed additional sanctions on Iranian officials involved in the crackdown. The U.S. Department of the Treasury maintains a list of sanctioned individuals and entities.
Latest Developments (as of January 29, 2026)
Recent reports from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty indicate a surge in executions related to the protests in the past week, with at least 15 individuals reportedly executed on charges of moharebeh (enmity against God). These executions have drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations and governments. The Iranian government continues to restrict internet access and suppress independent media, making it tough to verify information independently.
Note: The date “2026-01-29 10:39:00” was provided solely for context and does not represent the time of the original source’s creation,but rather the timestamp for this analysis. The information presented is current as of January 29, 2026, 15:20:34 GMT, based on available authoritative sources.