A Revolutionary Guard-affiliated news agency called for repeating the 1988 mass executions of political prisoners following recent arrests after Iran's 12-day war with Israel.
Fars News Agency wrote in a threatening editorial that people recently detained "deserve the same punishment as in 1988" and praised the executions as "a successful experience."
The agency said “mercenary elements backed by Israel and Western intelligence agencies' deserve such treatment,” adding that “public opinion today recognizes the necessity of this rightful action.”
Dozens of political activists, civil society members and journalists have been arrested during the 12-day war last month, with many missing.
The 1988 executions, ordered by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and carried out by the "death committee," killed thousands of political prisoners without fair trials. Victims were buried in mass graves.
Human rights organizations classify the 1988 executions as crimes against humanity.
Former President Ebrahim Raisi faced international criticism and sanctions for his role in the killings as a member of the committee.