UN experts urge Iran to halt executions of 10 men arrested at anti-regime protests

UN experts have urged Iran to halt the executions of 10 young men sentenced to death in a single, closed-door hearing for their alleged involvement in anti-government protests in January. These men, in their late teens and early 20s, were among 12 initially condemned, with two already executed on July 19. The experts, who are UN special rapporteurs, stated that "Sentencing 12 people to death in one hearing, in a closed courtroom and without clarity as to each defendant’s individual responsibility violates established fair trial standards." They noted that the convictions were based on televised confessions, and the specific charges against the men remain unclear as court hearings are closed and judgments unpublished. The protests, which began over the cost of living, were met with severe suppression, and 24 people linked to these demonstrations have been executed this year.