UN reports 21 executions and 4,000 arrests in Iran since late February

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights announced that at least 21 individuals have been executed in Iran since the onset of the Middle East conflict. According to the report released on April 29, 2026, these executions include nine people linked to January 2026 protests, ten for alleged ties to opposition groups, and two for espionage. Furthermore, more than 4,000 individuals have been arrested since late February on charges related to national security. The UN office documented reports of forced disappearances, torture, and coerced confessions obtained under duress. High Commissioner Volker Türk expressed deep concern over these systematic human rights violations by Iranian authorities. He called for an immediate suspension of all pending executions and the establishment of a formal moratorium on the death penalty. Additionally, the UN demanded the immediate release of all individuals arbitrarily detained during this period. These actions follow the start of joint military operations involving the United States and Israel against Iranian targets at the end of February 2026.