Story perspectives

Iran Executes 1,639 in 2025, Blackouts Protesters

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Iran carried out 1,639 executions in 2025, second only to China.
Iran hanged three men convicted of anti-government protest participation after the Supreme Court upheld their sentences.
Since late February, Iran has imposed a nationwide internet blackout while offering an “Internet Pro” service to select businesses.
Over 53,000 people were arrested during the January protests.
Twenty-one people have been executed since the war began for alleged protest or espionage links.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has repeatedly silenced dissent, most violently in the 1988 mass execution of political prisoners—an event the UN later labeled a crime against humanity, with estimates of 2,800-5,000 deaths ordered by Ayatollah Khomeini. The Supreme Court’s 2026 affirmation of death sentences and a nationwide internet blackout echo that historic crackdown, drawing fresh UN scrutiny.

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Story summary

Iran carried out 1,639 executions in 2025, second only to China.
Iran hanged three men convicted of anti-government protest participation after the Supreme Court upheld their sentences.
Since late February, Iran has imposed a nationwide internet blackout while offering an “Internet Pro” service to select businesses.
Over 53,000 people were arrested during the January protests.
Twenty-one people have been executed since the war began for alleged protest or espionage links.

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