Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on Friday February 27, 2026, called for the immediate suspension of executions in Iran. He warned that following the issuance of the first death sentence linked to the nationwide protests in recent days, dozens of others may also be at risk of execution.
Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk said he was “shocked” by reports indicating that at least eight people — including two children — have been sentenced to death in connection with the protests.
He added that approximately 30 other individuals appear to be at risk of receiving or facing implementation of similar death sentences.
Human rights groups and news sources report that thousands of people were killed during the crackdown on the nationwide uprising.
Turk also expressed deep concern about the potential escalation of military conflict in the region and its impact on civilians, stating that he hopes “reason will prevail.”
Earlier, Human Rights Watch reported that Iran’s state broadcaster aired hundreds of forced confessions from detainees. According to the organization, the videos portray individuals — including children — as “rioters” or “foreign agents” before any judicial proceedings have taken place, with some confessing to crimes that carry the death penalty.
Human Rights Watch warned that given the scale of forced confessions, the use of charges such as “enmity against God” and “corruption on earth,” and the expansion of capital punishment under new laws, the risk of widespread death sentences and executions against protesters — including individuals under 18 — has significantly increased.
