United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has expressed alarm over a surge in executions in Iran since March 19, 2026. According to Turk, at least 56 people have been executed on national security-related charges, including 27 linked to anti-government protests that erupted at the start of the year.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Turk warned that these state-sanctioned executions are being used to instil fear among the population and suppress dissent. He urged Iranian authorities to halt all executions and move towards abolishing the death penalty.

The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reported that over 100 others remain at risk of execution on similar charges, while executions for drug-related offences continue at an alarming rate. The UN also raised concerns about the speed and secrecy of judicial proceedings, noting that some executions were reportedly carried out only weeks after arrest, and that 12 defendants were sentenced to death following a single three-hour closed-door hearing.

Iranian authorities have reported more than 3,000 deaths related to unrest but attributed the violence to "terrorist acts" orchestrated by the United States and Israel. The increase in executions follows widespread anti-government protests in late December and January, which began after a collapse in the Iranian rial's value led to hyperinflation and severe food price spikes.

Rights monitor Amnesty International reported in July that this wave of executions is part of a broader state campaign following the major popular uprising earlier in the year. Last year, Iran executed over 2,150 people, making it the world's second most prolific executioner after China.

The surge in executions also comes amid escalating tensions after the US and Israel launched a joint war in late February.

Sources