Iranian soldier sentenced to death for refusing to shoot protesters

TEHRAN, Iran — A young Iranian soldier has been sentenced to death after refusing orders to fire on anti-government protesters amid a wave of nationwide demonstrations that began late last year, according to a human rights group.

Javid Khales, a member of Iran's security forces, was arrested immediately after declining to shoot at demonstrators, the Iran Human Rights Society reported. He has since been transferred to a prison in Isfahan province.

The refusal occurred during the major protests that erupted in late December 2025 and continued into early 2026. The broader context of the protests reveals a regime under immense pressure.

Demonstrators, drawn from diverse segments of society, called for an end to the Islamic regime, the return of the Shah, and the restoration of the monarchy. 

Security forces have responded with live ammunition and mass arrests, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries, rights groups say.

Reports indicate that the actual death toll may be much higher than documented, as a Internet blackout and restrictions on information flow have hampered accurate accounting. 

Khales' case highlights the regime's efforts to maintain strict discipline within its ranks and deter defections during the unrest. 

In response, the government has intensified its tactics, including the use of foreign militias to bolster forces reluctant to fire on their compatriots.

Tens of thousands of detainees face life-threatening conditions, with urgent calls for international intervention to prevent further atrocities. 

Human rights advocates describe Khales' action as a humane refusal to participate in violence against civilians, while the sentence is seen as part of intensified judicial repression, including swift trials and threats of executions for those involved in the protests.

Details of the judicial process remain limited due to a lack of transparency from Iranian authorities, with no official confirmation of the charges or trial proceedings publicly available. Judiciary officials have called for rapid handling of cases related to the demonstrations.

The protests have spread across the country, prompting heavy crackdowns, internet restrictions and reports of thousands detained under harsh conditions. 

International observers have expressed concern over potential further executions and the broader use of the death penalty to suppress dissent.

Khales' sentencing has drawn attention online and from exile groups, with calls for global pressure to prevent his execution and address the ongoing crisis.

Source: DPN, Agencies, AI, January 22, 2026

"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."

— Oscar Wilde