Iran carried out the first known executions linked to the nationwide protests that began in late December, state media reported Thursday. Three men – Saleh Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi, and Saeed Davoudi – were hanged after being convicted of waging war against God, a charge under Iran’s sharia law, for their alleged involvement in the killing of two police officers. The executions raise concerns about a potential surge in capital punishment cases as tensions remain high amid the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States.
Among those executed was Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-aged member of Iran’s national wrestling team. His case drew particular international attention, with rights groups expressing fears for his safety and alleging a lack of due process. Mohammadi had participated in international competitions, winning a bronze medal months before his arrest, and Amnesty International reported he was denied adequate defense and forced to make confessions in fast-tracked proceedings.
The executions were carried out in the city of Qom, south of Tehran, according to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency. Authorities claim the three men were also found guilty of carrying out “operational actions” in favor of Israel and the United States. This accusation comes as Iran grapples with heightened regional tensions following strikes by Israel and the U.S. On Iranian soil on February 28, which reportedly killed a top Iranian commander and triggered the current escalation of conflict.
Human rights organizations have condemned the executions as unjust and a violation of international law. Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO, stated that the three men “had been sentenced to death following an unfair trial, based on confessions obtained under torture.” The organization also noted that Mohammadi had only recently turned 19.
Concerns Over Due Process and Fair Trials
Legal observers have raised serious concerns about the fairness of the trials leading to the executions. Iranian legal affairs monitor Dadban stated that the men were “deprived of effective access to independent counsel and the right to defense,” arguing that under such circumstances, the utilize of the death penalty amounts to an “extrajudicial killing.” These concerns echo broader criticisms of Iran’s judicial system, which is often accused of lacking transparency and impartiality.
Escalating Crackdown and Risk of Further Executions
The executions follow the recent hanging of Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian-Swedish national, on charges of spying for Israel. That execution, the first publicly announced since the February strikes, further fueled anxieties about a widening crackdown on dissent. Iran Human Rights has expressed deep concern over the “risk of mass executions of protesters and political prisoners in the shadow of war,” warning that the government may be using capital punishment to instill fear and suppress further unrest.
Protests and Government Response
The current wave of unrest began in late December 2025, initially sparked by economic grievances, before evolving into nationwide anti-government demonstrations. Protests peaked on January 8 and 9, 2026, and were met with a brutal crackdown by Iranian security forces. Rights groups accuse authorities of killing thousands of protesters, while the government blames the unrest on the U.S. And Israel. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has recorded more than 7,000 killings, primarily of protesters, though the actual toll is believed to be significantly higher. Tehran acknowledges over 3,000 deaths, including security personnel and bystanders, attributing the violence to “terrorist acts.”
Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has warned that there will be “no leniency” for those convicted of violent acts during the protests. Iran Human Rights estimates that hundreds of individuals are currently facing charges related to the protests that could result in the death penalty. Iran remains one of the world’s most prolific executioners, with at least 1,500 people hanged last year, according to figures from Iran Human Rights. The Islamic Republic has previously executed 13 people on charges related to the 2025 conflict with Israel and 12 people on charges related to the 2022-2023 nationwide protests.
International Reaction
The executions are likely to draw further condemnation from the international community. While former U.S. President Donald Trump initially threatened retaliation if Iran executed protesters, his focus later shifted to Iran’s nuclear program. The recent escalation in regional tensions, coupled with these executions, underscores the fragility of the situation and the potential for further conflict.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the conflict with Israel and the United States continues. Iran Human Rights will continue to monitor the situation and report on any further executions or developments in the cases of those facing the death penalty. Updates on the situation can be found on their website: Iran Human Rights.
We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
