Iran executes two men for blasphemy amidst increasing number of executions.

Iran executed two individuals convicted of blasphemy for running online "anti-Islam groups and channels." They were found to be members of a Telegram channel titled "Critique of Superstition and Religion," where members allegedly shared opinions insulting Islam. The executions come amid a surge of executions in Iran, with at least 582 carried out last year, according to a joint report by Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty. United Nations experts have previously called on Iran to stop the persecution of religious minorities.