Iran confirms death sentences for additional young protesters

Tehran confirmed the death sentence for 26‑year‑old kickboxer Benjámín Nakdí, detained during the January anti‑government protests. Authorities said he sprayed a fire‑extinguisher at security forces and was convicted of "acts against national security" and propaganda against the regime.

Human‑rights organisations report that Iranian courts have issued death sentences to at least 30 people, including eight sentenced within weeks of arrest and two minors, after accelerated trials marked by allegations of torture and forced televised confessions. Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights say the confessions violate the presumption of innocence and international fair‑trial standards.

The groups warn the executions are part of a broader Tehran campaign to demonstrate zero tolerance for dissent while the country is engaged in conflict with the United States. They call for the sentences to be overturned, an end to further death sentences, and the immediate release of those detained solely for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.