EU and allies condemn Iran over executions of protesters

Thirty-two nations, comprising 29 European countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have united in a joint condemnation of Iran's implementation of capital punishment against protesters. The statement, released from the German Foreign Office, emphasizes the need for the Iranian people to enjoy the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without dread.

The joint declaration further urges Iran to heed the aspirations of its populace, who are advocating for change and requesting tangible measures to safeguard human rights.

Since the commencement of hostilities between the United States and Israel and Iran, executions and death sentences have surged within the country. At least 56 individuals have been executed for alleged national security offenses since March 19, including 27 people connected to the extensive anti-regime protests that erupted earlier this year. Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported this figure last week.

Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, an Iranian human rights organization, reported that the tally of executions since the beginning of 2026 stands at 916, with 15 carried out in August alone. In April, the European External Action Service, the European Union's diplomatic wing tasked with executing the bloc's security and foreign policy, labeled the execution rate as "appalling" and urged Iranian authorities to release those apprehended for protesting.