The FBE is gravely concerned at the arrest of Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh on Wednesday 1st April in the evening. Electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones belonging to Ms Sotoudeh and her husband Reza Khandan, were confiscated. Nasrin’s daughter said there was no information about Sotoudeh’s whereabouts. We call for her immediate release, and return of all her equipment.

Furthermore, we call for an end to the executions, which have increased in recent days, including political prisoners: Babak Alipour (34) and Pouya Ghobadi (32), at dawn of 31 March 2026. Both were accused of membership in the PMOI (MEK) and “attempting to overthrow the state.” These executions come just one day after the execution of Akbar Daneshvarkar and Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi on identical charges. Their lawyer, Babak Paknia, confirmed that he received no prior official notification from the judiciary regarding the implementation of these death sentences—underscoring the complete absence of due process and transparency in such cases.

The executions are taking place in a context of heightened repression, over 30 days of internet shutdown, and growing concerns that a pattern reminiscent of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran may be re-emerging. 

On 2nd April the Iranian Judiciary’s official Mizan News Agency announced the execution of 18-year-old Amirhossein Hatami who took part in the January 2026 anti-government protests. This heightens the deep concern for the remaining 22 prisoners who were recently moved to an unknown location, particularly Vahid Bani-Amerian and Abolhassan Montazer, whose lives remain at immediate risk.

The FBE calls for an end to the executions and the violation of human rights; the release of those arrested during the January protests; and calls for the respect for due process, the rule of law and access to justice.