UN says at least 21 executed, over 4,000 arrested in Iran since war began
At least 21 people have been executed and more than 4,000 arrested in Iran since the start of the war two months ago, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Wednesday.
Türk said those executed included people linked to the January 2026 protests, alleged members of opposition groups and individuals accused of espionage, with many others detained on national security-related charges.
“I am appalled that the rights of the Iranian people continue to be stripped from them,” Türk said, urging authorities to halt executions and release those arbitrarily detained.
“In times of war, threats to human rights increase exponentially,” he said, adding that fundamental rights such as fair trial guarantees must be respected at all times.
