A group of 114 Nobel Prize laureates has issued a statement condemning what they described as “shocking” human-rights violations in Iran, including the killing of demonstrators and a surge in executions, while urging world leaders to take practical steps to support political change.

The signatories said Iranian security forces opened fire on protesters who have demonstrated since late December against repression, corruption, and inflation. They stated that the use of lethal force was ordered by the regime’s Supreme Leader and cited credible human-rights reports claiming thousands were killed. The statement also accused authorities of storming hospitals to shoot or arrest wounded protesters and transferring detainees to detention centers described as having horrific conditions.

According to the laureates, protesters are demanding freedom and rejecting dictatorship “whether monarchical or religious,” calling instead for a democratic, pluralistic, and corruption-free republic. Citing official statistics, the statement said Iran executed more than 2,200 people in 2025, including 403 in December alone.

The group also expressed concern over Tehran’s cross-border actions, saying they fuel violence abroad, and welcomed condemnations by the United Nations Secretary-General and other figures. They called for increased pressure and concrete support for the uprising and for the Iranian people’s demands for change, freedom, and social justice.

Signatories include President Jose Ramos-Horta, former Polish president Lech Walesa, and economist Daron Acemoglu. The laureates said the situation has raised serious concerns worldwide and urged sustained international backing for the Iranian people.