The United Nations has called out the “state-sanctioned killing” of Iranian protestors after 2 more men were executed on the weekend. Human rights chief Volker Türk says Iran’s ruling regime has “weaponised” the death penalty to stamp out dissent and “punish people for exercising their basic rights”. Türk also flagged alleged violations of due process, including denial of a fair trial, forced confessions through torture, and no right to appeal. It echoes allegations by female activist Sepideh Qolian – she’s written a letter from Iran’s infamous Evin prison detailing the brutal treatment of detainees by interrogators. The UN plans to send investigators to Iran to look into reports of human rights abuses which have ramped up since protests began over the death of 22yo Mahsa Amini in September. Human rights advocates say at least 519 protesters – including 69 children – have been killed in the violence, and 19,300 people have been arrested by security forces. There are 109 civilians facing execution.