UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, has warned that Iran’s use of the death penalty to suppress anti-government protests is illegal and demonstrates the authorities’ readiness to execute protesters. In a statement issued Wednesday, Sato said the announcement of death sentences against protesters constitutes a clear violation of international human rights standards. She cited the case of 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, arrested on January 8 in Fardis, west of Tehran, who was sentenced to death and scheduled for execution the same day.

Sato wrote on social media platform X that although the execution did not take place on Wednesday, the declared intent to use the death penalty and the sentencing of a protester under the charge of “moharebeh” or “enmity against God” reflect the authorities’ deep disregard for freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. She emphasized that the death penalty cannot be a legitimate response in a country that respects these freedoms.

The statement underscores growing concern over Iran’s handling of dissent and its adherence to international human rights obligations.