A new report published by Iran Human Rights shows that the Islamic Republic’s response to any human rights activism is violent crackdowns, and that the situation of human rights defenders has significantly deteriorated compared to last year.

Many activists were unlawfully arrested “preemptively” at their homes and locations other than protests.

Activists like Golrokh Irayi-Ebrahimi, Milad Fadayi, Saba Sherdoost and Majid Tavakoli, said the report, adding that "a significant number of defenders also suffer from illnesses. Arash Sadeghi was arrested despite suffering from a rare form of cancer. Rapper Toomaj Salehi is facing charges that carry the death penalty for his protest songs. There are also teachers who were arrested or faced reprisals for refusing to hand over names of protesting/striking students and pupils, with one losing her life due to a heart attack from the pressure."

Lawyers willing to represent protesters and other human rights defenders have been particularly targeted at an unprecedented rate, with at least 46 subjected to arrests or legal action. 

Iran Human Rights called on "civil society worldwide to support their colleagues who are fighting for their fundamental rights under such difficult circumstances in Iran. Artists, Bar Associations, workers’ unions, journalists, women’s activists and others can help save their lives by being their voices. We call on well-known figures to take coordinated action by each following up on the situation of one of the people listed in this report, and to be their voice in interviews and public appearances.

Many of the human rights defenders are behind bars in dangerous conditions; international pressure and raising the political cost of the repression, is the only way to reduce the pressure on them."