SBS News In Depth

A UN expert discusses rising executions in Iran, protest-linked death sentences, and concerns over due process.

As World Day Against the Death Penalty approaches, UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and an academic at Birkbeck University, Dr Mai Sato talks to SBS Persian's Niv Sadrolodabee and discusses rising executions in Iran, including an increase in national security cases linked to protests. She examines concerns over fair trials, public executions, international pressure and efforts to halt death sentences.

In this episode:
Why executions linked to national security charges have increased following nationwide protests.
Dr Mai Sato's concerns about the trial and execution of Alireza Sepahi, including allegations of torture and due process failures.
What public executions could signal, and why some people reportedly gathered to oppose them.
Cases highlighted ahead of World Day Against the Death Penalty, including prisoners still facing execution.
Whether international pressure, UN engagement and legal reforms could help reduce executions in Iran.

Advocates are focusing on the importance of social connection for well being as Mental Health Month gets underway.

Language barriers, low mental health literacy and difficulties navigating service systems can all make accessing mental health support harder for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

This Mental Health Month, the focus is on promoting awareness and reducing stigma.

In this episode:
Chinese elders speak about the benefits of visiting their local community centre.
A new mental health survey shows only 21 per cent of Australians feel connected to others.
About a third say they feel less connected to others compared to a decade ago.
Advocates say culturally and linguistically diverse groups may also face additional challenges in accessing support, including language barriers, low mental health literacy and difficulties navigating service systems.
SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

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The ATO’s credit card tax payment ban is delayed after backlash, but businesses say bigger cost pressures remain.

After fierce criticism from small businesses, the federal government has delayed the ATO’s planned ban on credit card tax payments. Why did the tax office want the change, what does the reprieve mean for businesses managing cash flow, and why do many say the underlying problem remains unresolved?
Why the ATO planned to stop accepting credit card payments on tax bills and the cost it says is driving the decision.
How small business owners say the proposed change could affect cash flow and day-to-day survival.
The government’s intervention to delay the ban and the debate over whether that goes far enough.
How recent payment system reforms and the end of credit card surcharges are affecting businesses and consumers.
Why industry groups warn that rising costs, fees and compliance pressures are continuing to squeeze small businesses.

The AI data centre operator’s withdrawal raises questions about investor appetite for the sector.

Firmus has withdrawn its planned $7.2 billion sharemarket float, which would have been Australia’s second-largest IPO. The company reportedly sought a valuation of about $44 billion. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Datt Capital chief investment officer Emanuel Datt about why the offer was pulled, what it means for the AI investment story and how investors are weighing higher interest rates, the war and oil prices. The Australian sharemarket rose 0.7 per cent.

In this episode
• Why Firmus withdrew its proposed IPO and what the decision could mean for the company
• Whether the pullback points to changing investor appetite for AI, after strong interest in other major technology names
• How rising interest rates, the prolonged war and higher oil prices are shaping investor sentiment
• Where investors may find opportunities in a volatile market

As literary and scientific Nobel Prize winners are celebrated, attention turns to who will win the anticipated Nobel Peace Prize.

Among 2026 Nobel Prize Winners are a Canadian poet, awarded for her bold and inventive literary works, and a Belgian-American scientist honored for his pioneering study of the universe using Antarctic ice. Analysts are now considering who is favoured to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Key points:
Canadian poet Anne Carson responds to winning the prestigious literary honour.
What Carson plans to do with the $1.7 million dollars in prize money.
The scientists honoured for solving a long-standing scientific puzzle, and using Antarctic ice to study the universe.
The Swedish chemist's decision before his death in 1896, to leave behind his fortune for the prize.
The front-runners for the anticipated Nobel Peace Prize.