Monday, November 9, 2026 - Iran has executed three men convicted over their alleged involvement in anti-government protests and operations linked to foreign powers, further intensifying international concern over the country's use of capital punishment. The executions were carried out on November 8, 2026, after the Supreme Court upheld their death sentences.
The men, identified as Hassan Divband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh, were accused by Iranian authorities of working on behalf of Israel and the United States during January's unrest. According to the judiciary, they participated in attacks involving firearms, grenades and petrol bombs, as well as setting fire to public facilities in Karaj, west of Tehran.
The executions have drawn criticism from human rights organisations, which question the fairness of the judicial proceedings and warn that more protesters could face similar sentences. Iran Human Rights reported that at least 39 people had been executed in connection with the December 2025 and January 2026 protests since March 19.
The organisation says concerns remain over allegations of coerced confessions, inadequate legal representation and the treatment of detainees. Iranian authorities maintain that the executions followed legal proceedings and that those convicted were involved in serious security-related offences. However, independent verification of the evidence presented in the cases remains limited.
The latest executions are increasing pressure on Iran's leadership as international attention turns to the treatment of political detainees and the growing number of death sentences linked to domestic unrest. Human rights organisations are calling for stronger international pressure to prevent further executions and ensure fair trials for those facing capital punishment.
With additional defendants reportedly facing death sentences, the coming weeks could prove critical for human rights monitoring and diplomatic engagement. The central concern remains whether justice and due process will be guaranteed as tensions between the Iranian government and its critics continue.
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