Iranian Soldier Sentenced to Death for Refusing to Fire on Protesters Amid Nationwide Unrest
ISFAHAN, Iran — In a stark escalation of punitive measures against dissent within its ranks, Iranian authorities have sentenced soldier Javid Khales to death for refusing to open fire on protesters during the widespread unrest that has gripped the country since late 2025. The Iran Human Rights Society (IHRS) reported Tuesday that Khales’ refusal to comply with orders to shoot demonstrators marks a rare act of defiance amid one of the most intense waves of anti-government protests in recent Iranian history.
Khales was arrested during the nationwide protests of 1404 — a series of demonstrations demanding an end to the country’s authoritarian regime. According to IHRS, when Khales was ordered to shoot at civilians, he instead chose to spare their lives, an act witnesses described as one of humanity rather than insubordination. His subsequent trial and death sentence have drawn condemnation from human rights advocates who warn of a pattern of harsh reprisals against those perceived as disloyal within the military and security forces.
The unrest has been marked by escalating violence, with Iranian security forces initially using pellet guns before shifting to live ammunition against protesters. Thousands have been arrested, and many have died in confrontations with state forces, highlighting the regime’s determination to suppress dissent at any cost. Khales’ case, now held in Isfahan prison, underscores the peril faced by those who resist orders to participate in the crackdown.
International voices have also weighed in on the situation. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham publicly condemned the pending execution of Khales, calling the Iranian regime “brutal” and emphasizing that “this regime must fall.” His remarks align with broader concerns raised by organizations such as the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and the U.S. Department of State’s Human Rights Reports, which have documented Iran’s use of state-sanctioned violence and unfair trials against protesters and dissenters.
The Iranian government’s response to the protests has been swift and severe. Reports from the Amnesty International highlight the regime’s use of arbitrary detention, torture, and executions to maintain control. Khales’ death sentence follows a pattern of punitive actions aimed at deterring military personnel from sympathizing with or supporting protest movements.
As Iran continues to grapple with internal dissent, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond to human rights abuses. The case of Javid Khales has become a symbol of resistance within the armed forces and a rallying point for advocates demanding accountability and reform. The United Nations Human Rights Council has urged Iran to halt executions and ensure fair trials, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights of all individuals, including those within the military.
Khales’ sentencing serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by those who choose conscience over orders in authoritarian regimes. As protests continue and calls for change grow louder, the fate of this young soldier remains a poignant example of the human cost of Iran’s ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.
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