Iran executes 21-year-old karate champion as UN warns of death penalty surge
Iran has executed 21-year-old karate athlete Sasan Azadvar, who was arrested during protests in January 2026, according to Iranian media and human rights groups. He was convicted of 'enmity against God' and cooperation with the enemy, charges his lawyers and rights organizations dispute. The UN and human rights groups warn of a sharp rise in executions and arrests since the start of the Iran war in February.
- ▪Sasan Azadvar, a 21-year-old karate athlete, was executed at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan on Thursday.
- ▪He was arrested during nationwide protests on 8 January and accused of attacking security forces with stones and clubs.
- ▪The UN reported at least 21 executions and over 4,000 arrests since the start of the Iran war, with rights groups citing torture and unfair trials.
- ▪Iran's judiciary claimed Azadvar's trial included legal representation, but human rights groups allege serious legal irregularities and forced confessions.
- ▪Hengaw described Azadvar as a karate champion from Isfahan province and stated he was subjected to physical and psychological torture in detention.
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