Iran has executed two men found guilty of killing a pro-regime militia member during anti-government protests, official media have reported.
The UK, calling the executions “abhorrent”, has led condemnation from western nations and human rights groups.
They are the third and fourth Iranians known to have been executed on charges relating to the months-long protests against the clerical regime.
The demonstrations were sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, a woman arrested for allegedly breaking the country's strict dress code for women.
“Mohammad Mahdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini, the main perpetrators of the crime that led to the martyrdom of Ruhollah Ajamian, were hanged this morning,” the judicial news agency Mizan Online said.
Mizan said the officer was a member of the Basij paramilitary force and was killed in the city of Karaj, near Tehran, on November 3.
The Basij, a volunteer force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have been used against protesters in major cities, attacking and detaining demonstrators.
Activists say at least 16 people have been sentenced to death in closed-door trials over charges linked to the protests. Death sentences in Iran are typically carried out by hanging.
International criticism
“Iran must immediately end the violence against its own people,” UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.
“The execution of Mohammad Mahdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini by the Iranian regime is abhorrent. The UK is strongly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances.”
The UN human rights office said the executions followed “unfair trials based on forced confessions”.
A representative for EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the executions were "another sign of the Iranian authorities' violent repression of civilian demonstrations".
“The European Union calls once again on the Iranian authorities to immediately end the strongly condemnable practice of imposing and carrying out death sentences against protesters,” he added.
France's Foreign Ministry called the executions “revolting” and Germany said they “strengthen us in our desire to raise the pressure further on Tehran with the EU”.
The US-based Centre for Human Rights in Iran called on countries to withdraw their ambassadors from Tehran.
Protests led by women
At least 517 protesters have been killed and more than 19,200 people have been arrested, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, a group that has closely monitored the unrest.
The Iranian authorities have provided varying death tolls that include protesters as well as members of the security forces. They have not released figures on the number of people arrested.
The protests began in mid-September after Ms Amini died days after being arrested in Tehran by Iran’s morality police.
Women have since played a leading role in the protests, with many publicly removing the compulsory headscarf in a show of defiance against the authorities.
The protests are one of the biggest challenges to Iran’s theocracy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The security forces have used live ammunition, bird shot, teargas and batons to disperse protesters, according to rights groups.
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Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
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October 4: Round One of Rotax Max Challenge, Al Ain (karting)
October 1: 1 Round One of the inaugural UAE Desert Championship (rally)
November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)
November 28-30: Dubai International Rally
January 9-11: 24Hrs of Dubai (Touring Cars / Endurance)
March 21: Round 11 of Rotax Max Challenge, Muscat, Oman (karting)
April 4-10: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Endurance)
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
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7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
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9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
