Iran Protesters Face Death Penalty Threats

Iran’s theocratic regime has escalated its response to widespread protests, with Tehran’s chief prosecutor explicitly threatening the death penalty for participants labeled as engaging in “moharebeh,” or waging war against God—a charge carrying mandatory execution under Islamic law ​. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused protesters of acting as “mercenaries” to please US President Donald Trump, vowing no tolerance for those “ruining” the country amid a nationwide internet blackout ​. These demonstrations, sparked last month by the rial’s collapse and economic hardship, have spread to all 31 provinces, marking the gravest challenge to the regime since the 1979 revolution ​.

Protest Triggers and Spread

Protests erupted in Tehran due to hyperinflation and currency devaluation but quickly expanded nationwide, fueled by calls from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for mass action ​. Human rights groups report at least 62-65 deaths, including protesters and security forces, over 2,300 arrests, and injuries from pellets and live fire, with authorities raiding hospitals to detain the wounded ​. A total internet and phone shutdown since Thursday aims to stifle coordination, as chants of “Death to Khamenei” echo in videos from major cities ​.

Legal Basis for Executions

Under Iran’s penal code, “moharebeh” applies to acts like vandalism of public property or clashes with forces during anti-regime protests, punishable by death, a framework also invoked in past uprisings like 2022’s Woman Life Freedom movement ​. Apostasy—leaving Islam—remains a capital offense at judicial discretion, though not always codified explicitly, intertwining religious dissent with protest suppression ​. Prosecutor Ali Salehi stated no leniency for “armed terrorists,” signaling swift trials ahead ​.

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International Reactions

President Trump warned of US intervention if killings escalate, stating “we’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts” without ground troops ​. The UK, France, Germany, and UN condemned the violence and urged restraint, while Pahlavi rallies the diaspora to amplify Iranian voices globally ​. Rights monitors decry the crackdown as sowing fear to crush dissent ​.