Iran Sentences Four Protesters to Death Amid Nationwide Protests

Iran’s Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced four individuals to death for their participation in protests held in January 2026. " According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the individuals—Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl, Bita Hemmati, Behrouz Zamaninejad, and Kourosh Zamaninejad—were charged with participating in protest gatherings on January 8 and 9, chanting slogans, throwing objects including bottles and incendiary materials from rooftops, and causing destruction of public property.

HRANA also reported concerns about possible pressure and forced confessions during their interrogations.

The protests in Iran have drawn international attention due to the government’s response and the number of casualties reported. According to a social media post referenced in coverage, at least 42,000 protesters have been killed over the last two months, though this figure has not been independently verified.

The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has issued calls for peace and rejection of violence in recent statements.

In a post on social media, the Pope urged the rejection of violence and war. During a visit to Cameroon, he spoke about the manipulation of religion for military, economic, or political gain but did not specifically mention Iran or the recent protests. The Pope’s statements have not included direct condemnation of the Iranian government’s actions related to the protests or the death sentences.

This omission has been noted in public discourse, with some observers contrasting the Pope’s comments on other geopolitical issues with his silence on Iran. The situation in Iran remains a subject of international concern, with ongoing protests and government responses continuing to affect the country’s political and social landscape.