Kurdish-Iranian woman whose death sparked nationwide protests
The Islamic Republic has survived the war but faces internal pressures as hardliners press for a tougher stance in talks with the United States, while ordinary Iranians seek immediate financial relief and higher living standards after years of sanctions and war.
Iranian court has sentenced Parastoo Ahmadi and eight production members to 74 lashes, plus two-year bans on leaving the country and artistic activity, for a December 2024 livestream performance without a hijab; rights groups call the move a broader crackdown on cultural dissent.
Iran has executed multiple men convicted over killings during January’s nationwide protests, including two public hangings in Isfahan’s Alikhani (Malekshahr) Square on 28 July. Videos and witnesses have shown residents chanting and trying to block the executions before security forces dispersed the crowd. Rights groups report a wider surge in executions and hunger strikes at Ghezel Hesar prison.
Iran has executed a detainee convicted of 'operational action in favor of hostile groups' as protests over economic hardship surge. The judiciary says others were executed in connection with the rallies, which authorities blame on foreign-backed unrest. Rights groups report casualties far higher than government tallies.
Amnesty International has named 87 Iranian officials in a report marking four years since the 2022 protests, saying crimes against humanity were committed to crush the Woman Life Freedom movement. It notes a renewed, deadly crackdown in 2026 and calls for international justice mechanisms.