26 countries condemn executions of protesters in Iran as death sentences mount

Wednesday 12 August 2026 - 16:30

By: Sahili Aya

26 countries condemn executions of protesters in Iran as death sentences mount

The European Union and 26 countries, including France, the United Kingdom and Canada, have condemned the continued execution of protesters in Iran, warning that the death penalty is being used as a tool to suppress dissent.

In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the signatories denounced what they described as the continued execution of demonstrators and the broader use of capital punishment by the Islamic Republic.

The governments said the executions were being used to silence opponents, intimidate communities and punish people for exercising fundamental rights.

UN raises alarm over rising executions

The international reaction follows a warning from the United Nations over the sharp increase in executions in Iran.

According to figures cited by the UN, at least 56 people have been executed on national security grounds since the first hangings linked to protests that erupted at the beginning of the year.

The increase has heightened concerns among international governments and human rights observers over the treatment of demonstrators facing prosecution following the unrest.

The UN has described the situation as alarming, particularly as executions have continued to increase since the outbreak of the war.

Governments reject use of death penalty against protesters

The 26 countries joining the condemnation argued that capital punishment should not be used to punish people for expressing political opposition or exercising fundamental freedoms.

Their statement places particular emphasis on protesters who have faced judicial proceedings following demonstrations. The signatories' criticism reflects broader opposition to the death penalty and concern that its use in politically sensitive cases can discourage further dissent.

France is among the countries backing the declaration, alongside other Western governments including the United Kingdom and Canada.

The coordinated statement demonstrates the extent of international concern over Iran's handling of protest-related cases and signals growing diplomatic pressure on Tehran.

Death penalty remains a major international concern

Iran is among the countries that continue to make extensive use of capital punishment. The latest executions have drawn particular scrutiny because of their reported links to the protest movement.

For the governments behind the joint declaration, the issue extends beyond individual criminal cases. They argue that executions in this context can have a broader chilling effect, discouraging people from exercising basic political and civil rights.

The statement therefore seeks to put the executions within a wider human rights framework, calling attention to what the signatories consider the use of judicial punishment as a means of political repression.

Pressure builds on Tehran

The latest condemnation adds to international criticism directed at the Iranian authorities as executions continue.

With the UN already expressing alarm and dozens of people reportedly put to death on national security grounds, governments supporting the declaration are pressing Tehran over its treatment of protesters and its continued reliance on capital punishment.