Iranian soldier Javid Khales receives death sentence for not following orders to shoot demonstrators.

Young Soldier Sentenced to Death in Iran for Refusing to Fire on Protesters

A young soldier has been sentenced to death in Iran after disobeying orders during a period of intense nationwide protests, according to reports from human rights organizations.

The Iranian Human Rights Society (IHRS) has identified the soldier as Javed Khales, who was arrested amid the 1404 protests—anti-regime demonstrations that took place between late 2025 and early 2026, calling for an end to the current dictatorship.

“Sources indicate that when given orders to shoot at protesters, he declined to comply, leading to his immediate arrest,” the IHRS stated.

Witnesses have claimed that Khales, who is currently being held in Isfahan prison, did not commit any wrongdoing but refused to open fire as a gesture of humanity, the group reported.

Human rights advocates have expressed alarm over the ruling, highlighting the ongoing violence that has already led to the arrest and death of thousands of protesters. Khales’ imminent execution raises further concerns about the state-sanctioned killings and expedited judicial processes that deny adequate legal recourse.

“With the protests continuing and the crackdown on citizens worsening, the news of Khales’ death sentence has sparked fears of a new wave of judicial killings,” asserted the rights group. They pointed out that judicial officials have been openly discussing quick trials and rapid executions for those apprehended during protests.

Separate statements from a Justice Department spokesperson and a Tehran prosecutor emphasized the urgency to resolve cases against dissenters, which raises the possibility of executions occurring without proper legal procedures. Many detainees are reportedly still in custody without access to legal counsel or fair trials.

The IHRS views Khales’ sentence as part of a broader strategy to instill fear, enforce unquestioning obedience, and escalate repression against protesters.

Recently, the Iranian government has restricted internet access across the nation, aiming to hinder any organization among protesters. Human rights activists believe this shutdown is a calculated move to obscure the reality of the situation on the ground and suppress public unrest.