As the nationwide uprising in Iran enters its second week in January 2026, evidence and official positions from the highest ranks of the Islamic Republic indicate the preparation for an “organized massacre” and show trials. These developments are reminiscent of the “Death Fatwas” following minutes-long trials during the summer of 1988.
- Direct Suppression Command by Ali Khamenei
On January 3, 2026, Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, labeled protesters as “mercenaries,” issuing the final green light for a bloody crackdown. By distinguishing between “complainants” and “rioters,” he effectively issued a death warrant:
“Protest is justified, but protest is different from rioting… There is no use in talking to a rioter. A rioter must be put in his place.” (Source: Mizan News Agency and official state media, January 3, 2026)
- Threats of “Swift and Short” Trials by Mohseni-Ejei
On January 5, 2026, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the Chief of the Judiciary, issued threatening orders for “short trials” and “uncompromising” treatment of detainees:
“I order the Attorney General and prosecutors across the country to act with decisiveness and without any leniency or compromise against rioters… Investigations must be carried out in the shortest possible time, and trials must be swift and short to serve as a deterrent lesson.” (Source: Meeting of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, Mizan Online, January 5, 2026)
- Call for Overt Suppression by Armed Forces
Concurrently with these stances, military commanders have entered the scene. Movahedi, the regime’s Attorney General, emphasized to all prosecutors that cases must lead to sentencing in the shortest time “without indulgence.” Furthermore, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi declared on January 4, 2026, that “FARAJA (suppressive Police Forces) will put the agitators in their place,” a coded signal for escalating street violence. (Source: ISNA News Agency and Young Journalists Club, January 5, 2026)
Conclusion: History is Repeating Itself
This specific terminology—using phrases like “putting in their place,” “without leniency,” and “short trials”—is exactly the same terminology used during the 1988 massacre of political prisoners. This is an overt and blatant order for another massacre. Trapped in a total economic and political deadlock, the Iranian regime has once again resorted to a “killing strategy.” Mass arbitrary arrests, transfers to undisclosed locations, and threats of short-term trials signal a new crime against humanity. The world is responsible for ensuring that the 1988 massacre is not repeated.
The international community must not be deceived by deceptive maneuvers; behind the scenes, the execution and torture machine has been activated by the direct order of Ali Khamenei.
Preventive steps needed to be taken:
- Urgent UN Security Council Session: To officially condemn life-threatening threats against peaceful protesters, following specific measures if it continues.
- Emergency Fact-Finding Mission: To monitor the status of recent detainees and prevent the issuance and execution of death sentences in minutes-long trials.
- Direct Warning to Mohseni-Ejei and Sentencing Judges: Stating that issuing death sentences and shooting at people will lead to legal prosecution under “Universal Jurisdiction.”
- Pressure for Immediate and Unconditional Release: Of all those abducted under the baseless allegations of “rioting.”
The world is responsible; today’s silence is the license for tomorrow’s massacre.
