Over the past three weeks, since the onset of the war on February 28, Iranian authorities have executed 14 detainees on political and security charges, all while a near-total internet blackout has persisted for over a month. Among those executed, seven were arrested during protests in January, accused of burning a base belonging to the Basij forces in eastern Tehran.
Additionally, six others were convicted on charges related to their alleged connections with the Mujahedin-e Khalq, an Iranian opposition group seeking to overthrow the Islamic regime, while one execution was carried out for espionage on behalf of Israel during the 12-day conflict last summer.
Details of the Executions
In her report, Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, noted that the number of executions reached 1,639 in 2025 and 975 in 2024. In January 2026 alone, at least 100 executions were carried out. Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of Iran's judiciary, emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of sentences related to "property confiscation and execution" against those deemed connected to the country's enemies, stating that a "comprehensive war" is being waged against Iran.
Following the protests on January 7 and 8, Mohseni Ejei linked some protesters and detainees to Israel, labeling them as "traitors" and indicating that there would be no leniency in the penalties imposed on them. The wave of executions began on March 17 with the execution of Iranian-Swedish citizen Kourosh Kivani for espionage.
Background & Context
Historically, Iran has witnessed severe human rights violations, with the death penalty being used as a tool to suppress dissent. During the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, protesters were classified as terrorists or foreign agents, a pattern that is now repeating with the current protests. Iran's "national security" law is extremely broad, allowing charges such as "waging war against God" and "armed rebellion" to be leveled without sufficient evidence.
Reports indicate that only about 7% of executions are officially announced, suggesting that actual numbers may be significantly higher. Some opposition groups have reported that over 300 people have been executed so far this year.
Impact & Consequences
There are growing concerns that these executions represent a continuation of a long-standing pattern of using the death penalty to suppress dissent. The mass arrests coinciding with the start of military operations on February 28 indicate an escalation in government repression. Many detainees, including doctors, students, and artists, are believed to have been tortured, while the fate of many remains unknown.
Reports show that some detainees face charges such as "waging war against God" merely for providing medical care to injured protesters. There are also believed to be cases of deaths in custody, raising further alarm about human rights conditions in the country.
Regional Significance
The events in Iran hold significant importance for the Arab region, reflecting political and social tensions that could impact the stability of other countries. The ongoing repression in Iran illustrates how governments can use force to suppress opposition, raising questions about human rights in regional states.
In conclusion, these developments in Iran serve as a warning of the dangers associated with political repression, highlighting the urgent need to support human rights across the region.