Amid the ongoing bloody crackdown on the nationwide uprising, human rights organizations once again warned about the systematic use of executions against protesters in Iran. Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa regional office issued a statement warning of the imminent risk of execution of a young protester and called for immediate action by the international community.
Iranian authorities must immediately halt any plans to execute 19-year-old Amirhossein Ghaderzadeh who has been detained since 9 Jan for taking part in protests in Rasht, Gilan province, and stop weaponizing the death penalty against protesters.
According to @amnesty’s… pic.twitter.com/uMV2MtvxRu
— Amnesty MENA (@AmnestyMENA) January 20, 2026
Execution of protesters and Amnesty International’s position
On January 20, 2026, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa regional office announced its position. The organization called on United Nations member states to immediately put pressure on the Iranian regime’s authorities. The stated goal of this pressure is the immediate halt of all executions. In the statement, the execution of protesters was condemned as a tool of political repression. The organization stressed that Iran’s regime uses the death penalty to instill public fear.
Amnesty International stated that there are plans to execute Amirhossein Ghaderzadeh. He is a nineteen-year-old young man from the city of Rasht, the capital of Gilan province in northern Iran. He was arrested on January 9 for participating in protests. The statement specifies that the authorities must immediately stop this process. The use of executions against protesters was described as a clear violation of human rights.
Details of the arrest and violence against the family
According to information from Amnesty International, agents raided the young man’s home on January 9. During the raid, Amirhossein Ghaderzadeh and his two sisters were arrested. One of his sisters is only fourteen years old. This action was carried out in clear violation of the absolute prohibition of torture. According to Amnesty International, security agents used sexual violence. They forcibly stripped members of the family naked in front of others. The stated purpose of this action was to search for metal pellets. The authorities sought to “prove” their participation in protests. After observing wounds caused by metal pellets, Amirhossein was arrested. These injuries were sustained during the January 8 protests. Such conduct is assessed as part of a policy of repression and execution of protesters.
Iranian Regime Official Confirms Killings at Basij and SSF Sites
Court proceedings, charges, and death sentence for Amirhossein Ghaderzadeh
According to an informed source, the court session was held on January 17. During this session, the authorities raised the charge of “treason against the country.” According to the source, a sentence of “execution by hanging” was announced. Judicial authorities have informed the family of the impending execution. The execution date has been announced as February 1, 2026. Since his arrest, the fate and place of detention of this prisoner have not been disclosed. Amnesty International describes this situation as enforced disappearance. The organization emphasized that executions of protesters are often carried out following unfair trials. No access to an independent lawyer has been reported in this case.
Urgent appeals to the international community
Amnesty International called on United Nations member states to take immediate action. This action should include direct diplomatic pressure. The stated goal is the immediate suspension of all death sentences in Iran. The organization also called for the immediate protection of this prisoner. Access to adequate medical care was among the demands raised. Preventing further torture and ill-treatment was also emphasized.
The statement said that the deadly crackdown on protesters is continuing. The scale of this repression has remained hidden due to internet shutdowns. Amnesty International called for the immediate restoration of internet access in Iran. The organization emphasized that executions of protesters are carried out without public notification.
What is seen in this case is a clear example of the ruling death-centered policy. The execution of protesters is not an exception but part of this system’s mechanism of survival. Violence, torture, and enforced disappearance are constant tools of this repression. In a structure where human life has no value, justice loses its meaning. This cycle will only be stopped through the people’s resistance and the end of this repressive system.
