Iran - January 2023

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.

Sources: British Broadcasting Corporation, Middle East Monitor, Amnesty International (1), Human Rights Watch, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Amnesty International (2), Reuters