GENEVA – UN experts* today condemned the imposition of death sentences on 12 young men for their involvement in the January 2026 protests, and called for an immediate halt to executions.
“Sentencing 12 people to death in one hearing, in a closed courtroom and without clarity as to each defendant’s individual responsibility violates established fair trial standards,” the experts said.
The young men, aged between late teens and early twenties, were reportedly arbitrarily deprived of their liberty, in some cases being subjected to enforced disappearance, ill-treated and accused of involvement in the killing of four security force members, as well as arson and vandalism during the 8 January 2026 protests in Shahid Alikhani Square in Isfahan, based on broadcast confessions. The charges against them remain unclear, as the Revolutionary Court hearings are closed and judgments are not published.
On 19 July 2026, two of the men were executed, sparking fears for the remaining 10. Among those facing imminent execution is Shervin Bagherian Jebeli, who turned 18 just days before his arrest. Within a week, and before any trial, State television aired a video of him confessing to violence against security officers during interrogation. He appeared unaware of the meaning of his capital charge – moharebeh (enmity against God) – which raises concerns as to whether he had access to legal counsel of his own choosing at the time of the broadcast.
The experts warned that Jebeli’s case illustrates a disturbing pattern of prosecutions imposing death sentences after proceedings that appear to fall short of fair trial standards.
“Confessions obtained under coercion must never be admitted as evidence, and broadcasting them before trial violates the presumption of innocence,” the experts said.
In 2026, at least 24 individuals have already been executed in connection with the January protests. Many were young people exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and participation in public life, including protesters from the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom movement’.
“As national laws currently stand, it is impossible to take part in any protest critical of the State without risking reprisals and persecution. This cycle will only be broken when civic space opens up and freedom of peaceful assembly and expression is guaranteed,” the experts said.
“The rationale appears clear: instil fear across society, deter future demonstrations, and silence dissent. Yet repression only breeds further dissent.”
They noted that despite the risks, Iranians continue to demand change. Prisoners are protesting peacefully through the ongoing “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign and the sit-in strike in Ghezelhesar prison.
The experts urged Iranian authorities to heed these calls, and establish a moratorium on executions, pending abolition. “The moratorium should be used to ensure full compliance with international human rights law, including fair trial guarantees and restricting the death penalty to the most serious crimes.”
“Executions only add to the violence and grief Iranians have endured,” they said.
The experts are in contact with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on these issues.
