Iran indicts Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, anti-regime journalists for ‘inciting’ January protests

Iranian authorities have issued an indictment against Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and several figures associated with opposition broadcasters Iran International and Manoto TV. The charges accuse them of helping instigate nationwide protests that occurred in January 2026.

Tehran Prosecutor Ali Salehi announced the indictment, stating it would be referred to court for trial soon. He alleged the defendants were responsible for "creating the conditions" for the unrest. State-affiliated media reported Salehi's remarks without providing further details on evidence or legal grounds.

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Today, I must announce that the indictment against Reza Pahlavi and other anti-regime elements from the Manoto and Iran International networks has been issued. God willing, within the next few days, it will be sent to the court for judicial proceedings.

The January 8-9 demonstrations were among the bloodiest in recent years, with estimates suggesting around 40,000 Iranians were killed by state security forces. The protests began with strikes by Tehran's bazaar merchants over economic issues before spreading nationwide.

Former Manoto editor-in-chief Tina Ghazimorad rejected the indictment as "political intimidation." She also revealed that Iranian authorities had placed her name on a property confiscation list, which she dismissed as having no practical impact but considered a "badge of honor."

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The reported indictment of Prince Reza Pahlavi and media professionals from Manoto over the January 8-9 uprising is not a legal act. It is political intimidation.