Amid the crackdown on protests and intensified security measures, numerous reports have emerged of the widespread arrest of demonstrators, including teenagers.
Human rights organisations warn that some of those detained are facing charges that could lead to the death penalty.In this context, recent statements by judicial authorities have further heightened concerns.
In March 2026, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, head of the judiciary, emphasised the need for a firm response to protesters and ordered that those labelled as 'rioters' be dealt with 'decisively and without leniency', with 'firm and maximum' punishments to be implemented. He also stressed the need for the swift enforcement of sentences but also death sentences for Minors. Critics interpret these remarks as an indication of an escalating trend towards harsher punishments, including the death penalty.
Among the reported cases is that of Diana Taherabadi, a 16-year-old who, according to reports, was arrested in the early hours of the morning by security forces at her home and transferred to a place of detention. It is said that she was asleep at the time of her arrest and that concerns have been raised about the possibility of her being sentenced to death following her transfer.
There are also reports of other teenagers being detained and facing serious charges. In some cases, the execution of individuals aged under 18 has already been reported, including that of an 18-year-old who was hanged just weeks after his arrest.
Human rights organisations emphasise that issuing death sentences to individuals under the age of 18 constitutes a clear violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international obligations. Nevertheless, reports suggest that, under the current conditions, judicial proceedings are being carried out with increased speed and severity.
United Nation related organisations has also voiced concern over the situation, calling for the immediate release of all children detained in connection with the recent unrest in Iran. In a statement, the organization said it is “deeply concerned” that children remain in detention and stressed that deprivation of liberty can have long-lasting consequences on a child’s development. UNICEF emphasized that children must be treated with dignity, maintain contact with their families, and that Iran, as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, is obligated to uphold and protect these rights.
At a time when the country is affected by tensions and crises, civil society activists warn that the prevailing security climate — and even wartime conditions — must not be used as a pretext to disregard the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly children and adolescents.
They are calling for an immediate halt to the issuance and implementation of death sentences against juveniles, and for adherence to fair trial standards.
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