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Iran Signals Swift Trials and Executions for Protest Detainees Despite U.S. Warnings
Iran’s judiciary chief indicated Wednesday that protesters detained during recent nationwide demonstrations would face expedited trials and executions, defying explicit warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei’s comments come as human rights activists raise alarms about imminent hangings of detainees. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), security forces have killed at least 2,586 people during the crackdown on demonstrations, making this the deadliest period of civil unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly,” Mohseni-Ejei said in a video shared by Iranian state television. “If it becomes late, two months, three months later, it doesn’t have the same effect. If we want to do something, we have to do that fast.”
This stance directly challenges Trump’s warning delivered in a CBS interview aired Tuesday. “We will take very strong action,” Trump said regarding potential executions. “If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action… It’s not going to work out good.”
Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated dramatically in recent months. Trump has repeatedly indicated the U.S. might take military action over the killing of peaceful protesters, particularly following the 12-day war in June when the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during an Israeli-led offensive against the Islamic Republic.
Iranian officials, without providing evidence, have accused Israel and the United States of orchestrating the protests and threatened preemptive strikes. In a concerning development, a U.S. official revealed that personnel at a key American military base in Qatar have been advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening. This decision followed comments from a senior Iranian official referencing a previous attack on the facility.
While the security presence has diminished in some areas, with anti-riot police and Revolutionary Guard forces appearing to have returned to their barracks, plainclothes security officers continue to patrol certain neighborhoods. Residents remain fearful of the ongoing situation.
“We are very frightened because of these sounds (of gunfire) and protests,” said a mother of two who was shopping for groceries and spoke on condition of anonymity. “We have heard many are killed and many are injured. Now peace has been restored but schools are closed and I’m scared to send my children to school again.”
Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, described witnessing a demonstration in Tehran that quickly escalated. “People were out to express themselves and protest, but quickly it turned into a war zone,” he told The Associated Press. “The people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns.”
On Wednesday, Iran held a mass funeral for approximately 100 security force members reportedly killed during the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, holding Iranian flags and photos of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The protests began on December 28, sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial as international sanctions continue to squeeze the country’s economy. On January 8, the government implemented an internet shutdown, cutting citizens off from international communications. Iran partially relaxed these restrictions on Tuesday by allowing outgoing international calls via mobile phones, though incoming calls remain blocked.
Satellite internet service Starlink has begun offering free service in Iran, providing a crucial workaround to the government’s internet shutdown. “We can confirm that the free subscription for Starlink terminals is fully functional,” said Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist helping to distribute the units in Iran. Reports from northern Tehran indicate security forces are conducting raids on apartment buildings with satellite dishes in an apparent attempt to locate Starlink equipment.
According to HRANA, of the 2,586 people killed, 2,417 were protesters and 147 were government-affiliated individuals. The death toll also includes twelve children and ten civilians reportedly not participating in protests. More than 18,400 people have been detained.
One Arab Gulf diplomat, speaking anonymously, told the AP that major Middle Eastern governments have been urging the Trump administration to avoid military action against Iran, warning of “unprecedented consequences” that could ignite a “full-blown war” across the region.
Human rights organizations continue to express concern about the situation, though verifying information independently has become increasingly difficult due to the communications restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities.
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11 Comments
This is a deeply troubling development that underscores the Iranian government’s complete lack of respect for due process and the rule of law. Rushing through trials and executions of protesters is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights that cannot be tolerated.
The Iranian government’s actions are a shameful attempt to crush dissent through fear and violence. Expediting trials and executions of protesters is a gross violation of human rights that the international community must condemn in the strongest possible terms.
The human rights situation in Iran is deteriorating rapidly. Expedited trials and executions of protesters are a chilling sign of the regime’s desperation to maintain power. The international community should take firm action to prevent further bloodshed and human rights abuses.
The Iranian regime’s disregard for human rights is on full display with these plans for rushed trials and executions. This is a desperate attempt to quell the protests, but it will only breed more resentment and unrest. The world must not remain silent in the face of these abuses.
The Iranian government’s crackdown on protesters is deeply troubling. Rushing through trials and executions will only serve to further escalate tensions and undermine the rule of law. The international community must strongly condemn these actions and demand accountability.
The Iranian government’s plan to expedite trials and executions of protesters is a chilling escalation of its crackdown. This flies in the face of international human rights norms and will only serve to further inflame tensions. Urgent action is needed to prevent these atrocities.
Agreed. The international community must speak out strongly against these actions and consider all available options to hold the Iranian government accountable.
This is a deeply concerning development. Executing protesters without fair trials is a blatant abuse of power and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law. The international community must take decisive action to prevent further loss of life and uphold fundamental human rights.
The death toll from Iran’s protest crackdown is staggering. Rushing through trials and executions is an unconscionable violation of due process and human rights. The world must stand united in condemning these actions and holding the Iranian government accountable.
The Iranian regime’s plans to rapidly try and execute protesters is a chilling escalation of its crackdown. This is a blatant disregard for due process and human rights. The international community must take urgent action to prevent these atrocities and hold the government accountable.
Absolutely. The world must speak with one voice and take concrete steps to stop these human rights abuses before more innocent lives are lost.