Iran

Iran’s deadly repression of dissent continued as the protest movement entered its fifth month. On 7 January, Iranian authorities executed two prisoners who had been sentenced to death for allegedly killing a member of the security forces during the protests. These executions follow a series of executions that have taken place since December. Separately, Iran's former deputy defence minister, Alireza Akbari, was also executed on 14 January after being convicted of spying for the United Kingdom. The executions were condemned by the European Union, United Kingdom and United States, who imposed sanctions on additional Iranian officials. At least 2,000 people have been charged by Iran’s judiciary with various offences linked to the demonstrations and 18 others have been sentenced to death. Human rights groups have warned the convictions are often based on forced confessions and the protestors detained have been tortured and remain at risk of execution.

Protests Personal Integrity and Security Death Penalty Freedom of Association and Assembly Mahsa Amini

In an intensification of the state crackdown, the Islamic Republic in December introduced the use of death penalty against protesters arrested in connection with the demonstrations that erupted last September. Marking the fourth month of protests that pose one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s ruling theocracy, the authorities proceeded with the public execution of Mohsen Shekari and Majidreza Rahnavard. The judiciary has also sentenced eleven additional individuals to death and six more have been charged with crimes that are punishable by a death sentence. However, the exact number of people facing executions is difficult to verify. According to a report by Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), as of 27 December, at least 100 people had been sentenced to death or charged with capital offences in connection with the protests in Iran.

Protests Personal Integrity and Security Death Penalty Mahsa Amini

The wave of nationwide unrest sparked by the dead of Mahsa Amini in September continued for the third month. Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ordered a stronger crackdown on protests. Enhanced efforts to silence demonstrations by Iran’s security forces followed this month with an increased presence across various regions, sustained violent clampdowns and intensified arrests. It was also revealed in November that the regime’s security forces have employed rape and sexual assault to suppress protesters. Nearly 14,000 Iranians have been arrested, including children. Human rights organizations estimate that more than 400 people have been killed. Iran's judiciary has further sentenced five protesters to death and stated more than 2,000 people who were arrested during the unrest will face trial.

Protests Gender Equality Personal Integrity and Security Gender-Based Violence Mahsa Amini Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Nationwide uprisings sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September continued and intensified this month amid a brutal crackdown by the Iranian government. The death toll is estimated to have surpassed 200, together with more than 14,000 arrests. The protests have revealed deeply rooted discontent with the Islamic Republic regime as university students, school pupils, and prominent activists and lawyers joined marches against the government. The demonstrations have also received widespread international support and several governments introduced sanctions against Iranian officials responsible for the ongoing crackdown.

Protests Youth Mahsa Amini