Iranian judiciary threatens harsh punishments for protesters

Iran’s judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangiri, has said that actions related to the recent protests are being treated as “crimes” and warned of extremely harsh punishments for cases classified as moharebeh (“enmity against God”), which under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code can carry the death penalty.

Jahangiri said that security and intelligence agencies are compiling files on those arrested to identify alleged internal organizers of the protests and their suspected foreign connections, Caliber.Az reports via Iran International, the Iranian opposition outlet based in London, the UK. 

After the investigations are completed, authorities will publish the final number of arrests.

He added that the judiciary, together with the state lawyers’ centre, is documenting what authorities describe as crimes, assessing financial damages, and warning that those who encouraged protests or cooperated with “enemies” will be held accountable.

Earlier the same day, the head of the lawyers’ center under the judiciary said that Iran plans to file legal complaints both domestically and internationally against U.S. President Donald Trump and Prince Reza Pahlavi.

A new, separate wave of protests has been ongoing in Iran since late December 2025, initally triggered by hyperinflation, currency devaluation, evolving into demands to topple the clerical regime. Reports indicate extremely high casualties in the current crackdown, with an estimated death toll ranging from 2,000 to 20,000, per HRANA. Thousands of protesters were arrested in the unrest. Verified figures remain fluid due to internet blackouts and restrictions.

By Khagan Isayev