Iran’s judiciary warns against ‘infiltrators’, announces new executions
Iran's judiciary announced multiple executions this week of individuals accused of security offenses and involvement in recent unrest. The executions are part of a broader campaign against alleged "infiltrators" and those accused of creating divisions during conflict, with authorities prosecuting cases under a law enacted after last year's 12-day war with Israel.
Iran's judicial system has carried out several executions in recent days targeting individuals linked to civil unrest and alleged security violations. The judiciary's official channels announced the execution of Mehdi Khanaki, described as an active member of a terrorist organization who was detained during nationwide protests in January. Security operations in Karaj, near Tehran, reportedly uncovered firearms, ammunition, and explosives at a residential location. A revolutionary court convicted Khanaki on charges including actions allegedly benefiting the Israeli regime, the United States, and hostile organizations.
Two additional men were executed in connection with a case involving 16 defendants stemming from violent protests in Isfahan on January 8. State authorities claimed the executed individuals participated in the deaths of police officers, though international activists and human rights organizations have disputed these accounts and raised concerns about due process and allegations of torture.
The unrest began in late December over economic grievances but expanded into broader demonstrations against the government. Authorities characterize the disturbances, which resulted in thousands of deaths primarily on January 8 and 9, as a foreign-orchestrated coup. International organizations including Amnesty International have documented what they describe as unlawful mass killings during a period of complete internet and communications blackout.
Following the protests and subsequent military conflict beginning in February, tens of thousands have been detained. A teachers' trade association inside Iran recently condemned what it characterized as intensified prison sentences and ongoing pressure on activist educators. A security law passed after the 12-day conflict in June 2025 established harsher penalties for espionage and actions deemed to assist foreign adversaries or compromise national security. The government has also seized assets from hundreds of Iranian citizens, including business figures and entertainment personalities both within and outside the country.
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