Foreign News
BREAKING NEWS: Iranian soldier sentenced to death for refusing to fire on protesters during nationwide unrest
A young soldier who refused to obey orders to shoot protesters during one of Iran’s most intense waves of nationwide unrest has been sentenced to death, a human rights group reported Tuesday.
The Iran Human Rights Society (IHRS) identified the soldier as Javid Khales, who was arrested during the nationwide protests of 1404, a major wave of anti-regime demonstrations from late 2025 to early 2026 calling for an end to the country’s current dictatorship.
“According to informed sources, when faced with the command to shoot at protesting people, he refused to execute the order, leading to his immediate arrest and the opening of a case against him,” IHRS said...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Witnesses claimed Khales, now in Isfahan prison, did not commit a crime but refused to shoot in an act of humanity, the group said.
Iranian security forces escalated from pellet guns to live ammunition during protests.
While the unrest has already led to thousands of arrests and deaths among protesters, Khales’ planned execution further raises concerns over unfair, state-sanctioned killings and rushed trials that deny defendants proper legal protections.
“Amid the continuation of protests and the intensification of deadly repression against the people, the news of Javid Khales — a young soldier who refused to shoot at protesters — being sentenced to death has heightened concerns about a new wave of judicial massacre,” the human rights group said.
“This sentence comes at a time when judiciary officials have openly spoken of summary trials and the swift execution of death sentences against those arrested in the protests.”
Iran protests
The death toll from Iranian protests rises as hundreds are allegedly killed by government forces.
A judiciary spokesperson and the Tehran prosecutor, in separate statements, emphasized that cases involving dissidents must be resolved as quickly as possible, IHRS reported, raising concerns that executions could take place outside proper legal procedures. Human rights sources say many detainees have remained in custody without access to a lawyer or a fair trial.
The organization added that Khales’ death sentence is seen as part of a broader effort to instill fear, “enforce absolute obedience and intensify protest repression.”
Protester holding sign in Tehran on Friday
In this frame grab from video obtained by the AP outside Iran, a masked demonstrator holds a picture of Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a protest in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 9, 2026.
Over the past several days, the government shut down and restricted the internet nationwide to prevent protesters from organizing. Human rights activists say the blackout was also a strategic move to conceal the realities on the ground and suppress public reaction.
Precise details were unavailable regarding Khales’ case, his current status or the judicial process.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged his citizens engaging in xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals to remember the role other African countries played in the anti-apartheid struggle. Speaking at the 2026 Freedom Day commemoration in Bloemfontein, Ramaphosa said: “We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.” His remarks come amid attacks on Nigerians and Ghanaians.
Key Points:
Ramaphosa said South Africa carries a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond its borders.
Two Nigerian nationals were recently killed by South African security personnel.
Fresh protests are reportedly planned in Gauteng Province this week.
The Nigerian Consulate has called for urgent investigations into the killings.
Ramaphosa warned against allowing migration concerns to give rise to xenophobia...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
The president’s call for solidarity comes as tensions rise between South Africans and other African nationals.For More. Read The Complete Article. Thank You.
Sources: Vanguard News
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The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has called for urgent investigations after two Nigerian nationals, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, died in separate incidents involving South African security operatives.
Emmanuel reportedly died on April 20 after sustaining injuries allegedly inflicted by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel. Andrew was arrested on April 19, and his body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary. The consulate has urged independent investigations.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
The consulate described the incidents as “deeply disturbing.”
Formal cases have been opened with the South African Police Service.
The consulate warned against stereotyping Nigerians as criminals.
Nigerians in South Africa have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding.
The consulate is engaging relevant authorities and will support bereaved families.
The consulate called for thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations.For More. Read The Complete Article. Thank You.
Sources: Instagram / Social Media Reports
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in South Africa to respect the country’s laws, customs, and traditions.
Speaking on Freedom Day amid renewed anti-foreigner tensions, Ramaphosa said: “To those who are here legally, respect us as South Africans, respect our laws, respect our conventions and our traditions.” He stressed that South Africa would enforce its immigration laws while remaining committed to multilateralism.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador said Nigerians are “not under siege” in South Africa.
NiDCOM issued safety advisories urging Nigerians to avoid confrontations.
Protests have turned violent in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal.
The Nigerian Consulate remains operational and is working with South African authorities.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs is engaging with her South African counterpart.
Both governments are collaborating to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.For More. Read The Complete Article. Thank You.
Sources: Punch Newspaper , Vanguard
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