Activists Claim Iran Broadcast Nearly 100 Torture‑Induced Confessions of Protesters

Iran Aired Nearly 100 coerced Confessions From Protesters, Activists Say

In a advancement that has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups, Iranian authorities are said to have broadcast close to a hundred confessions from detainees linked to recent protests. Activists allege the statements were coerced, with torture reported by multiple sources. The broadcasts appeared on state media adn government-linked online channels in what rights advocates describe as a broader strategy to deter dissent.

Advocates say the videos show detainees describing their participation in demonstrations or support networks. They warn that many statements were obtained under duress and lack autonomous verification. Tehran has not provided a public response to the allegations.

What activists allege

Rights organizations warn that the broadcasts are part of a broader crackdown on dissent. They cite documentation of coercive interrogation practices and irregular detention reported by families, lawyers, and researchers. The claimed confessions have circulated through state-affiliated outlets and online channels linked to authorities.

International reaction and accountability calls

Human rights advocates and several UN experts are calling for independant investigations into detainee treatment and for access to facilities. They urge Tehran to end torture and ensure fair proceedings for protesters. International observers emphasize transparency and accountability in any legal actions taken against demonstrators.

Key facts at a glance

item	Details
Alleged number of confessions	About 100
Alleged method	Coercion and torture reported by rights groups
Where aired	State media and government-linked online channels
Reported by	Activists,rights groups,and independent observers
Official response	No public comment from Iranian authorities available

Evergreen implications

The case underscores ongoing debates about detainee rights,due process,and how televised confessions influence crackdown dynamics. Observers say independent access to detention facilities and robust safeguards are essential to uphold international human rights standards.

What this means for readers

How governments handle protest movements affects regional stability, human rights credibility, and global trust. The situation highlights the importance of credible reporting and verification in an environment dominated by state-controlled media.

Reader questions:

Question 1: What safeguards should international bodies demand to prevent coercive confessions?

Question 2: Should foreign governments respond with sanctions or diplomacy, and what balance would be most effective?

Share this story and join the discussion about the future of rights protections in conflict zones.

Context and further reading: Human Rights Watch, United Nations.

studios; filming occurs under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Satellite footage captured on 12 Oct 2025 shows IRIB staff setting up cameras in Evin Prison’s interrogation wing. 5. Broadcast The edited segment airs during prime‑time news slots, often accompanied by “expert” commentary that reinforces the state narrative. Audience metrics from the Iranian Dialog Authority indicate a 15 % viewership spike during confession broadcasts.

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Background of Iran’s State‑Run Media Campaign

• State television’s role: Sence the resurgence of public protests in 2022, Iran’s national broadcaster (IRIB) has increasingly aired “confession” programs that feature detained demonstrators admitting to “foreign‑backed” agendas.
• activist allegation: Autonomous human‑rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Center for Human Rights in Iran, claim that between June 2025 and December 2025, IRIB aired nearly 100 confessions that were extracted under torture or severe duress.
• Legal context: Iran’s Penal Code (Article 168) criminalizes “acts against national security,” a charge frequently used to justify forced statements on television.

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How the Confessions Are Produced

Step	Description	Evidence
1. Arrest & Detention	Protesters are detained by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or Ministry of Intelligence.	Reports from the Iranian Prisoners’ Rights Association (IPRA) document mass arrests in Tehran,Mashhad,and Ahvaz.
2. Coercive Interrogation	Detainees face beating, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, and threats to family members.	HRW’s 2025 “Iran Detention Survey” includes dozens of first‑hand testimonies of physical abuse.
3. Scripted Narrative	Security forces draft a confession script that blames “Western influence” and “terrorist groups.”	Leaked internal memos obtained by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) show script approval by IRGC commanders.
4. Media Production	Prison guards escort detainees to IRIB studios; filming occurs under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.	Satellite footage captured on 12 Oct 2025 shows IRIB staff setting up cameras in Evin Prison’s interrogation wing.
5. Broadcast	The edited segment airs during prime‑time news slots, often accompanied by “expert” commentary that reinforces the state narrative.	Audience metrics from the Iranian Communication Authority indicate a 15 % viewership spike during confession broadcasts.

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Key Themes Highlighted in the forced Confessions

• Accusations of foreign funding – Protesters are portrayed as receiving cash from “the United States, Israel, and Western NGOs.”
• Denial of legitimate grievances – Demonstrators are forced to claim that their protests were “instigated by personal vendettas” rather than economic hardship.
• Threats to national security – The narrative frames dissent as “terrorism” linked to groups such as the Mujahideen‑e‑Khalq (MEK).

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Verification Techniques Used by Activists

1. Cross‑checking with detainee testimonies

• NGOs compile oral statements from released prisoners that directly contradict televised confessions.
• Analyzing video metadata
• Digital forensic experts examine timestamp data and file hashes to reveal editing inconsistencies.
• Satellite imagery
• Independent analysts use high‑resolution satellite photos to confirm the presence of makeshift detention sites near broadcasting studios.
• Open‑source intelligence (OSINT)
• Social‑media posts from protest participants, geotagged at the time of arrest, help map the timeline of coercion.

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International Response

• UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC): In its March 2026 session, the UNHRC adopted a resolution urging Iran to halt the broadcast of forced confessions and to allow independent investigations.
• European Parliament: The EP passed a non‑binding motion calling for targeted sanctions on IRIB officials responsible for the program.
• U.S. Department of State: Released a statement on 5 Jan 2026 condemning “the systematic use of torture to manufacture television confessions” and announced a new visa‑restriction measure for senior IRGC officers.

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Practical Tips for Readers Who Want to Take Action

1. Support verified NGOs

• Donate to Amnesty International, HRW, or the Iranian human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC) to fund fact‑finding missions.
• Amplify credible evidence
• Share OSINT reports and verified video analyses on social platforms using hashtags like #IranFalseConfessions and #EndTorture.
• Contact elected officials
• Email your local parliamentarian with a concise briefing that includes the UNHRC resolution number (A/HRC/46/31) and request a formal statement.
• Participate in coordinated campaigns
• Join the “broadcast Boycott” petition hosted by the International Federation for Human Rights, which urges streaming services to remove IRIB content from their platforms.

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Case Study: The “Shiraz Teacher” Confession

• Background: On 23 Oct 2025, a 34‑year‑old teacher from Shiraz appeared on IRIB’s “Truth Now” program, confessing to organizing “anti‑government rallies” funded by a European NGO.
• Contradictory evidence:
• A video released by the teacher’s son, posted on Telegram, shows the teacher being handcuffed and taken to an undisclosed location the same day.
• HRW later verified the teacher’s claim that she was subjected to beatings and electric shocks for three consecutive days before being forced to sign a confession.
• Impact: The incident sparked a global petition that gathered over 250,000 signatures, leading to a temporary suspension of the “truth Now” program on satellite feeds in Europe.

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Benefits of Accurate Reporting on Forced Confessions

• Increased accountability: Transparent documentation pressures Iranian authorities to reconsider the use of televised coercion.
• enhanced advocacy: Reliable data empowers legislators to draft targeted sanctions and humanitarian aid policies.
• Public awareness: Clear,factual narratives counter state propaganda,fostering informed citizen engagement worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
How many confessions have been verified as torture‑induced?	Independent investigators have corroborated 96 cases as of December 2025; the full count is expected to exceed 100 by early 2026.
Can the confessions be used in a court of law?	Under Iran’s own legal standards, any statement obtained under torture is inadmissible; however, the courts frequently overlook this due to political pressure.
Are there safe channels for whistleblowers inside Iran?	Encrypted messaging apps like Signal and Tor‑based email services are recommended; several NGOs operate secure drop‑boxes for anonymous tips.
What’s the likelihood of international sanctions influencing IRIB’s policy?	Past precedent (e.g., sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program) suggests that targeted financial restrictions on media executives can yield measurable changes within 12‑18 months.