Iran executes two January 2026 protesters and upholds a death sentence for a Red Crescent worker amid intensified crackdowns on dissent and women's rights.

The execution of protesters, upholding of death sentences, reported torture, and renewed calls for hijab crackdowns indicate a severe and escalating human rights crisis in Iran, posing high risks to dissidents and women.

📌 Key developments

• Iran executed Ali Hemmati and Majid Nikandish on September 30 for their alleged involvement in the January 2026 Mashhad protests, accused of killing four security personnel.
• The Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Mozhdeh Hashemi Bazargani, a Red Crescent worker, on September 30, following an alleged coerced confession.
• An Iranian court upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against singer Parastoo Ahmadi on September 30 for performing without a hijab, sparking outrage from rights groups.
• Death-row protester Alireza Sepahi was reportedly shot four times during his arrest and subjected to weeks of torture in custody.
• Deputy Communications Minister Mohammad Hafez Hakami warned on October 1 that Starlink could end state control of the internet, as authorities continue arrests and seizures of related equipment.
• Mahboubeh Shahbani, an Iranian woman sentenced to death over earlier protests, issued a plea from prison on September 30 for international intervention.
• [Sep 30] A report by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC) detailed severe consequences for debtors, including years in prison, hiding, and suicide attempts.
• [Sep 29] Judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei demanded a renewed, nationwide crackdown on women violating compulsory hijab laws.
• [Sep 29] The 'No to Executions Tuesdays' campaign entered its 140th consecutive week, expanding to 66 prisons across Iran, highlighting nearly 200 political and ideological prisoners facing death sentences.
• [Sep 29] Accounts from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan describe severe overcrowding, poor sanitation, infectious diseases, and drug shortages.

💡 Why it matters

These developments indicate a hardening stance by Iranian authorities against dissent, particularly concerning protest-related charges and women's rights, signaling increased human rights violations and potential for further unrest. The crackdown on Starlink highlights efforts to maintain internet control amid growing defiance.

🎭 People in the news

• Ali Hemmati — Executed on September 30 for alleged involvement in January 2026 protests.
• Majid Nikandish — Executed on September 30 for alleged involvement in January 2026 protests.
• Mahboubeh Shahbani — Iranian woman sentenced to death, issued a plea for international intervention on September 30.
• Mozhdeh Hashemi Bazargani — Red Crescent worker whose death sentence was upheld on September 30 after an alleged coerced confession.
• Parastoo Ahmadi — Singer sentenced to 74 lashes on September 30 for performing without a hijab.
• Alireza Sepahi — Death-row protester reportedly shot and tortured in custody.

👀 What to watch

• Further executions of protesters and political prisoners.
• Increased enforcement actions against women violating compulsory hijab laws.
• Developments in the crackdown on Starlink usage and internet freedom.