According to reports from the (NCRI) and the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), these sites—sometimes referred to as “black box” detention centers—are used to hold detainees without formal charges, court documentation, or access to legal counsel. Families often struggle to obtain information about the whereabouts or condition of those taken into custody.
The NCRI says the facilities resemble detention methods used during Iran’s political crackdowns in the 1980s. At that time, some prisoners were reportedly subjected to extreme isolation and harsh treatment designed to break their resistance. The organization claims similar practices may be occurring today, particularly in response to recent unrest across the country.
Human rights advocates warn that detainees held outside the official prison system face a heightened risk of abuse. Without registration or oversight, individuals can effectively disappear, leaving little accountability or documentation of their treatment. The CHRI described such facilities as among the most serious human rights concerns currently facing detainees in Iran.
Reports indicate that some detainees are transferred from recognized prisons to undisclosed locations for interrogation. These sites are said to operate without transparency, making it difficult for independent monitors or relatives to confirm whether individuals are alive or safe.
Families of detainees have reportedly gathered outside courts and prisons seeking answers, often receiving no confirmation from authorities. The lack of information has left many relatives in prolonged uncertainty and distress.
These allegations come amid ongoing tensions and protests in Iran. Human rights groups have reported increased arrests, executions, and the use of force against demonstrators. Activists say the use of unofficial detention centers contributes to a climate of fear and suppresses dissent.
Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed the existence of such facilities. Independent verification remains difficult due to limited access for journalists and international investigators.
Human rights organizations continue to call for transparency, legal protections for detainees, and access for independent observers to investigate the claims.