Iran | Executions, Mass Arrests, and Intensified Judicial Pressure in Late February and March 2026 April 1, 2026
In late February and March 2026, a set of field data, identified cases, recorded statistics, and official statements indicates that repression in Iran has continued simultaneously across multiple dimensions, including executions, widespread arrests, pressure on prisoners, restrictions on access to legal counsel, and judicial and economic measures against individuals. Severe restrictions on information and the lack of official disclosure regarding many cases have made it difficult to fully assess the scope of these developments.
Ahmadreza Radan, Commander-in-Chief of the Law Enforcement Forces, stated in a live interview on state television on March 10, 2026:
“If someone takes to the streets at the behest of the enemy, we do not consider them a protester or anything of that sort. We consider them an enemy, and we deal with them as we deal with an enemy. All our forces are ready, with fingers on the trigger, to defend the revolution and support the people and the country.”
Source: Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), News Channel; March 10, 2026.
A few days earlier, around March 7, 2026, in a nighttime gathering of government supporters in Tajrish, he had also stated:
“Do not allow yourselves to feel tired. Do not leave the field empty. Especially tomorrow night. Tomorrow night is decisive for us. Fill all streets and all squares.”
Source: Public speech in Tajrish gathering; around March 7, 2026.
Executions and Death Penalty-Related Developments
On March 19, 2026, three prisoners, Saleh Mohammadi (19), Saeed Davoudi (21), and Mehdi Ghasemi, were executed in the city of Qom. These individuals had been arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests.
At least 648 executions were reported in Iran in 2026 up to the end of February, 341 in January and 307 in February.
Saleh Mohammadi was arrested on January 15, 2026, and sentenced to death on February 4, 2026, within a short period following his arrest. He stated in court that his confessions had been obtained under pressure and physical abuse.
Reports also indicate the execution of Ali Rahbar (33, from Mashhad) on January 22, 2026, which was carried out without prior notification to his family.
In addition to these cases:
Mohammad Abbasi (55) was sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of moharebeh.
Ramtin (19) was sentenced to death in Choubindar Prison in Qazvin following a brief court hearing.
The death sentence of Mansour Jamali has been upheld at higher judicial levels.
In the case of Peyvand Naeimi, a Baha’i detainee held in Kerman Prison, reports indicate that he has remained in prolonged pre-trial detention for more than two months, has been held in solitary confinement, and subjected to mock execution, torture, and extended interrogations. Reports further indicate that, during certain periods, he was restrained with his hands and feet bound for up to 48 hours. Despite these conditions, no trial has been held, and no verdict has been issued. However, concerns have been raised regarding the risk of a death sentence.
According to recorded data, at least 648 executions were reported in Iran in 2026 up to the end of February, 341 in January and 307 in February.
Widespread Arrests and Documented Cases
In late February and March 2026, at least 1,679 arrests have been recorded.
Among these cases:
More than 25 individuals, predominantly under the age of 20, were arrested for sending images to foreign media and transferred to Khorin Prison.
Authorities reported the arrest of 500 individuals on charges of links with foreign media.
According to official reports:
- 23 individuals were arrested in Markazi Province on charges of communicating with foreign media and transmitting information.
- 2 individuals were arrested in Golestan Province by intelligence authorities.
- A separate report indicates that 35 individuals were arrested across 9 provinces.
Among identified detainees:
- Bahareh Golchin (17, Mashhad) was arrested on February 14, 2026, and no information has been released about her condition for over 40 days.
- Sima Chambari, a chemistry student at the University of Gilan, was arrested on March 11, 2026, during a raid by more than 10 security agents on her home.
- Diana Taherabadi (16) was arrested on January 25, 2026, following physical assault and is currently held in a juvenile detention facility in Kachouei Prison.
- Sohaila Hosseini and her husband Ahmad Rahimi, a former professor at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, were arrested on March 18, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location.
In most of these cases, no information has been disclosed regarding the place of detention, legal status, or details of the charges.
Arrest and Uncertainty Facing Baha’i Citizens
According to available reports, he has been subjected to two instances of mock execution, prolonged interrogations, and physical and psychological abuse. It has further been reported that, during certain periods, his hands and feet were bound for up to 48 hours. In addition, he has been denied access to medical care despite reported physical complications, including involuntary eye twitching and digestive problems.
Authorities have attempted to compel him to confess to charges including involvement in protest-related incidents. However, according to the same reports, he had already been detained prior to the incident cited by the authorities and did not have access to communication tools at the time.
At the same time, more than 60 days have passed since the arrest of five Baha’i citizens, Payam Faridian, Sepehr Koushkbaghi, Erfan Tabatabaei, Rabie Maleki, and Navid Zarrabin, in Mashhad. These individuals remain in Vakilabad Prison in a state of legal uncertainty, with no clear information provided regarding their cases.
In addition, Nita Babanajad and her son Parsa Emadi, residents of Isfahan, were arrested on March 4, 2026, by intelligence agents at their home. Babanajad was transferred to Dolatabad Prison, while Emadi was transferred to an intelligence detention facility. Both remain in detention without clarity regarding their legal status.
Afrin Bashash, another Baha’i citizen from Mashhad, has also been in detention since January 2026 and remains in Vakilabad Prison without clear information regarding her case.
Prison Conditions and Denial of Medical Care
In late February and March 2026, at least 73 cases of violations of prisoners’ rights have been documented.
Among these cases:
- Matlab Ahmadian has been denied access to medical treatment in Evin Prison.
- Sajad Imannejad has been denied transfer to external medical facilities.
- Masoumeh Yavari, a political prisoner in Golpayegan Prison, underwent surgery on her hand in early March 2026. Despite being in the recovery period and having had heavy bail, her medical leave was terminated, and she was returned to prison. Following her return, the surgical site became infected. Despite severe fever and the deterioration of her condition, prison authorities have refused to transfer her to a medical facility, leaving her treatment incomplete.
- Peyvand Naeimi has also been denied access to medical care despite his deteriorating physical and psychological condition.
In the women’s ward of Evin Prison, reports indicate a worsening healthcare crisis:
- Shiva Esmaeili, a political prisoner, suffers from severe pain caused by spinal canal stenosis and vertebral issues. Despite the urgent need for specialized examinations and treatment outside prison, her access to medical care has been delayed for months.
- Elaheh Fouladi, another political prisoner, suffers from serious knee and back problems and is reportedly in need of surgery due to a tumor. Despite having a scheduled appointment at Tajrish Hospital, her transfer has been cancelled and her access to necessary treatment has effectively been blocked.
Reports further indicate that general conditions in Evin Prison have deteriorated, particularly in the context of recent tensions. Shortages of medical facilities, poor food quality, and the inefficiency of prison healthcare services have not only prevented recovery but have also contributed to the spread of illness among prisoners.
Additional findings point to the absence of minimum living standards in certain wards, including a lack of beds forcing prisoners to sleep on the floor. In many cases, basic costs related to food, hygiene, and treatment are imposed on prisoners themselves.
Arrest of Lawyers and Restrictions on Legal Defense
Shima Ghosheh, a human rights lawyer, was arrested on January 16, 2026, at her residence in Tehran. Since a brief phone call with her brother following her arrest, no information has been made available regarding her place of detention or her legal status.
Saeed Bagheri, Vice President of the Central Bar Association, stated that although no precise statistics are available, “it has been reported that a number of our colleagues have been arrested.”
Reports further indicate serious procedural deficiencies in judicial processes, including denial of access to independent legal counsel, forced confessions, detention in solitary confinement, and extremely brief court hearings. In some cases, similar charges and identical rulings have been issued across multiple cases, with proceedings handled in specific branches.
Asset Seizures and Economic Pressure
Official statements indicate that cases related to the confiscation of assets of at least 15 individuals have been referred to the judiciary.
In addition, reports from Shiraz indicate that families of detainees have been subjected to financial pressure, with amounts ranging from 100 to 300 million tomans reportedly demanded without formal judicial orders.
Reports also indicate that judicial measures have included asset seizure, the initiation of legal cases, professional restrictions, and the suspension of media activities.
Pressure on Victims’ Families
Batool Gerami, the mother of Sajad Samadi, who was killed during the January 2026 protests, was assaulted by security forces on March 27, 2026, during a gathering at her son’s grave in Gonabad. She sustained severe injuries, including a fractured shoulder, and was transferred to hospital.
At the same time, approximately 40 individuals present at the gathering were arrested. No information has been released regarding their place of detention or their legal status.
Esmail Shokri, the father of Sepehr Shokri, another victim of the protests, was arrested on March 21, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location. His arrest was reportedly carried out without a judicial warrant, and no information has been released regarding his condition.
International Human Rights Positions (February–March 2026)
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, in a statement issued on March 11, 2026, warned that the country’s deepening human rights crisis, characterized by institutionalized repression on an unprecedented scale, including violations that may amount to crimes against humanity, is likely to worsen.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, in a statement issued on March 16, 2026, emphasized that the reported violations reflect systemic patterns rather than isolated incidents.
Amnesty International, in a statement issued on February 20, 2026, warned that the use of the death penalty in connection with protest-related cases is being used as a tool to instill fear in society.
In a separate urgent action issued on March 6, 2026, Amnesty International stated that the refusal of Iranian authorities to release those arbitrarily detained is knowingly placing them at grave risk.
Conclusion
The documented data from late February and March 2026 indicate that executions, widespread arrests, denial of medical care, restrictions on access to legal defense, pressure on families of victims, and asset confiscation have been implemented simultaneously and in connection with one another.
The recurrence of elements such as rapid sentencing following arrest, reports of forced confessions, prolonged detention without legal clarity, and denial of access to medical care suggests patterns that extend beyond isolated incidents.
At the same time, official statements by authorities regarding the treatment of detainees, the use of force, and the confiscation of assets indicate that these measures are not only implemented in practice but are also reflected at the level of official policy and discourse.
Positions expressed by international human rights bodies, including the UN Fact-Finding Mission, the UN Special Rapporteur, and Amnesty International, which have referred to systemic patterns of violations, increasing executions, and breaches of fair trial standards, further frame these developments within a broader context.
Overall, the available data indicate that the measures documented during this period have affected a range of fundamental rights, including the right to life, the right to a fair trial, access to medical care, and the rights of families.
Source: Iran Human Rights Monitor, Staff, April 1, 2026
"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."
— Oscar Wilde
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