Iran conducts mass arrests and holds detainees in secret lockups

Plain-clothes security forces have detained thousands across Iran and many detainees are reported held in unofficial or improvised locations, rights groups and two Iranian officials say.

Plain-clothes security forces in Iran have detained thousands of people in a campaign of mass arrests, according to multiple sources and two Iranian officials. The detentions followed protests that began over economic grievances and expanded into wider unrest. Rights groups and U.N. officials reported that many detainees are being held in unofficial or improvised locations. Iranian authorities have declined to publicly confirm totals while the judiciary is reported to be processing cases quickly. Known details: - Two Iranian officials and multiple activists, lawyers and medics reported thousands of arrests in recent days. - Sources and lawyers said many detainees are being held in unofficial detention sites, including warehouses and other improvised locations. - The U.N. human rights office and rights groups reported detainees were at risk of torture or unfair trials and said healthcare workers were among those detained. - Officials told reporters the judiciary was acting quickly to process cases; authorities declined to provide detailed public figures or locations. Summary: The reported mass arrests appear aimed at deterring further protests, with many detainees described as held in secret or improvised sites. Officials say the judiciary is moving quickly to process cases. Undetermined at this time.