Death Penalty News

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); 29 January 2026: Weeks after the violent crackdown on nationwide protests which resulted in thousands of people being killed, injured or detained, Iran remains under internet restrictions and a heavy security presence in major cities. There is serious concern regarding the condition of thousands of protesters who are incommunicado following arrest or have been reported missing. Detained protesters have been denied access to their lawyers of their choice, with many held in undisclosed locations. While state media have confirmed the arrests of 3,000 protesters, IHRNGO estimates that at least 40,000 people, including children, have been detained in relation to the nationwide protests. These arrests reportedly took place during street protests, following identification and raids on people’s homes or at checkpoints. 

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); 28 January 2026: State media reported the execution of Hamidreza Sabet Esmailpour for charges of “espionage and intelligence cooperation in favour of Mossad” at an unspecified location. According to the judiciary’s Mizan News Agency, a man named Hamidreza Sabet Esmailpour was executed on charges of “espionage and intelligence cooperation in favour of Mossad through contact with an intelligence officer and transfer classified documents and information.  The date and location of the execution have not been specified. He was arrested on 29 April 2025, per the report.

OSAKA, Japan — Ryuji Kobayashi, a death row inmate convicted of leading a brutal 2006 double murder that involved burying victims alive, has died in custody, prison officials said. He was 41. Officers at the Osaka Detention House discovered Kobayashi unresponsive in his cell during a routine morning patrol, with a futon cover wrapped around his neck. He was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a hospital. While an autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, the Justice Ministry indicated there were no immediate signs of a struggle or self-inflicted injury.