Iran executes over 500 since start of 2026 amid growing global outcry
Iran has executed more than 500 people since January 2026, including 29 linked to protests, drawing condemnation from over 30 countries and calls to halt executions.
Since the start of 2026, Iran has executed over 500 people, including 29 individuals connected to recent protests, prompting condemnation from more than 30 nations and calls for an immediate halt to executions. The Iran Human Rights organization, based in Norway, reported that Iranian authorities have carried out more than 500 executions since the beginning of the year, with 16 women and at least 13 political prisoners from banned opposition groups among those killed.
Activists argue that the death penalty is being used as a means of intimidation, particularly following the recent surge in protests and the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of the Iran Human Rights group, told Agence France-Presse that all death sentences are aimed at instilling fear and deterring future demonstrations. He expressed concern that this trend could intensify in the months ahead. Since executions resumed amidst the conflict on March 19, two individuals have been executed for their roles in the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests.
The United States President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, urging Iran to cease executions on his Truth Social platform and labeling the scenario as a grave humanitarian crisis. Amiry-Moghaddam acknowledged the positive impact of increased international attention, as it elevates the political risk for Iran. However, he attributed the authorities' ability to continue carrying out executions to the world's current focus on the Strait of Hormuz and other regional conflicts, which provides them with more leeway to punish protesters and political prisoners.
Amnesty International confirmed that Iran conducted at least 2,159 executions in 2025, with a notable increase in cases involving protesters and prisoners of conscience. Over 30 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have expressed their disapproval of Iran's use of the death penalty against protesters this month.
The Iranian state media recently reported the execution of Majid Adineh in connection with the January 2026 protests in Karaj, near Tehran, alongside other recent executions for offenses such as murder and armed robbery.
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