To Whom It May Concern, As protests have erupted across Iran, the Islamic Republic has retaliated with internet restrictions, arbitrary detentions, and the use of deadly weapons. According to a report published by Amnesty International, security forces have repeatedly used unlawful force, live ammunition, metal pellets, tear gas, water cannons, and batons against protestors. Since Mahsa Zhina Amini’s death on September 16, 2022, dozens, including children, have been killed, thousands injured, and over 14,000 people detained. The exact numbers are believed to be much higher. As of December 12, two young protestors, Mohsen Shekari and Majidreza Rahnavard, have been executed after being convicted of “waging war against god” in grossly sham trials without due process or legal representation. Amnesty International has identified at least 28 people, including three children, who could face execution in connection with nationwide protests. At least six people have already been sentenced to death in sham trials and could be executed at any moment. Mohammad Broghni, Mohsen Rezazadeh Qarqlou, Reza Arya Saeed Shirazi, Mohammad Qabadlou, Abolfazl Mehri Hosseini Hajilo, Mohammad-Mahdi Karami, Manouchehr Mehman-Navaz, Mahan Sedrat Madani, Sahand Nourmohammad-Zadeh, Hossein Mohammadi, Hamid Gharehassanlou, and Saman Seyediare are known detainees who have been charged with crimes that carry the death penalty. The Iranian regime has so far charged several protesters with “waging war against God,” “corruption on earth,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” or/and “confrontation with the Islamic Republic.” The most common vaguely defined criminal charges that are often used against dissidents or protesters are moharebeh or “waging war against God,” efsad-e fel-arz or “corruption on earth,” and baghy or “armed rebellion.” These charges carry the death penalty and are handled by the Revolutionary Courts, presided by judges who are some of the most notorious rights violators. In Iran, defendants are tried in trials that are systematically unfair and lack due process. Individuals are routinely denied access to an attorney and are forced to make torture-tainted “confessions.” The Islamic Republic has a long record of using harsh sentences, such as the death penalty, as a weapon of repression against protesters and dissidents. On November 6, 227 of the 290 members of the Islamic Republic parliament called on Iran’s judiciary for “the execution of the protestors sentenced to war as soon as possible.” Iranian authorities have repeatedly shown disregard for human life and will continue to kill protestors to preserve power. As the death toll rises, we urge leaders around the world to speak up and take action for the people of Iran. Dozens of protesters could be executed at any moment. I urge you to speak up against the arbitrary detention, the use of torture, and unfair trials of protesters. Urge Iran to halt executions and release all political prisoners. Please use your power to take tangible actions. For more information, please reach out to contact@middleeastmatters.org. Thank you!