Category: Executions

Prisoner Executed in Lakan Prison for Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
HRANA, Lakan prison, Rasht

At dawn on Saturday, November 16, 2024, a prisoner convicted of drug-related charges was executed in Lakan Prison, Rasht.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the prisoner has been identified as Mehdi Gilani.

Mr. Gilani had been arrested on drug-related charges and subsequently sentenced to death by the judiciary.

As of the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant officials have not announced the execution.

The reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists for the year 2023 reveal a concerning prevalence of executions for drug offenses in Iran, constituting 56.4% of the total executions. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

Three Prisoners Executed in Birjand Prison for Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Birjand, Parviz Brahui, Rahim Faghiri

At dawn on November 17, three prisoners convicted of drug-related charges were executed in Birjand Prison.

One of the executed individuals has been identified as Parviz Brahui (Barahooie), a resident of Zahedan, according to the Haal Vsh. Kurdpa has identified another as Rahim Faghiri, 34 years old, father of three children.

The three prisoners were transferred to solitary confinement yesterday in preparation for the executions. Ultimately, the executions were carried out without allowing the prisoners a final visit with their families.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant agencies.

The reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists for the year 2023 reveal a concerning prevalence of executions for drug offenses in Iran, constituting 56.4% of the total executions. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

22-Year-Old Man Executed in Salmas Prison

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Executions, News
HRANA, Omid Sheikh Kanlou Milan, Salmas

Omid Sheikh Kanlou Milan, a 22-year-old man previously sentenced to death on charges of forced same-sex relations, was executed in Salmas Prison on Wednesday, November 13. The execution was carried out despite the plaintiff in the case having pardoned him, as the judge insisted on implementing the sentence based on the “public aspect of the crime.”

HRANA’s sources report that Mr. Sheikh Kanlou Milan was arrested about a year ago following a complaint by “A.M.” (identity withheld by HRANA), a teacher-soldier and member of the Basij militia. He was accused of forced same-sex relations and sentenced to death by the Khoy Criminal Court. Despite the plaintiff officially pardoning him in recent weeks, the judge insisted on proceeding with the execution due to the public nature of the offense.

A relative of the executed man told HRANA: “Since the plaintiff had pardoned him, the family hoped the execution would not take place. His mother and other relatives, who had waited outside Salmas Prison since 4 a.m. on Wednesday, were informed at 9 a.m. that the sentence had been carried out.”

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been publicly confirmed by prison officials or relevant authorities.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

Urmia Prison: Three Prisoners Transferred to Solitary for Execution

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Executions, News
HRANA, Urmia prison

Early this morning, November 14, three prisoners in Urmia Prison, previously sentenced to death on drug-related charges, were transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for the execution of their sentences.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, the transfer of these prisoners took place today, Thursday, November 14, for the implementation of their death sentences.

Further details, including the identities of the prisoners, are under investigation by HRANA.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

Six Defendants in the “Ekbatan Town” Case Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, Amir-Mohammad Khosh Eghbal, Babak Paknia, Ekbatan, Hossein Nemati, Milad Armoon, Navid Najaran

Milad Armoun (Armoon), Alireza Kafaei, Amir-Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmarz Pournak, defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Town” case, have been sentenced to death by Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the defendants were convicted on charges of “participation in murder and intentional assault.” Babak Paknia, a defense attorney, confirmed the sentences, noting that while the court’s advisors upheld the death penalties, the presiding judge opposed the decision and issued a minority opinion. These verdicts are subject to appeal.

The final defense sessions were held on November 3, 2024. Following the hearings, four of the accused—Hossein Nemati, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, and Amir-Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal—were detained and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

This case stems from protests in October 2022 at the Ekbatan Complex, during which a Basij member, Arman Ali Vardi, was killed. Security forces reportedly arrested over 50 residents from Ekbatan, with indictments later issued for 14 individuals.

The charges include “moharebeh” (enmity against God), “participation in premeditated murder,” and “disturbing public order.” The case has been reviewed by Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court and Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati.

While four of these defendants were temporarily released on bail in early 2024, several remain in custody.

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Three Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj on Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Zahedan Prison

Early this morning, November 13, three prisoners previously sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the identities of the prisoners executed today have been confirmed as Hamzeh Torkashvand, Jafar Rahsepar, and (first name unknown) Rasgoo.

These individuals were previously arrested on drug-related charges and later sentenced to death by judicial authorities.

As of the time of this report, prison officials and relevant authorities have not announced the executions.

Update: With the identification of four additional prisoners executed early this morning in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, the number of executions in this prison today has risen to at least seven. HRANA has identified the four individuals as Khaled Tajik, Ahmad Alizadeh, and Saman Bozorgi, along with a woman whose name remains unknown.

In 2023, 66% of HRANA’s reports on executions lacked official announcements by judicial authorities and went unreported by media inside Iran, highlighting a troubling lack of transparency in due process.

According to data gathered by the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists, Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj witnessed the highest number of executions in 2023, with Zahedan Prison following closely behind. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

 

Two Prisoners Executed in the Central Prison of Karaj

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Executions, News
Central Prison of Karaj, Hamzeh Jahanian, Javad Dolabi, Karaj, Safadasht

At dawn on Monday, November 11, two prisoners previously sentenced to death on drug-related charges were executed in the Central Prison of Karaj.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the identities of the executed prisoners have been confirmed as “Hamzeh Jahanian” and “Javad Dolabi.”

HRANA’s investigation reveals that these prisoners were arrested in Safadasht, Karaj, on charges related to drug offenses and later sentenced to death by judicial authorities. On November 7, they were transferred, along with two others, to solitary confinement in preparation for their executions.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

The reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists for the year 2023 reveal a concerning prevalence of executions for drug offenses in Iran, constituting 56.4% of the total executions. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

Two Prisoners Executed in Tabriz Prison

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Executions, News
Kazem Babayi, Mahrokh Khani, Tabriz Prison

On Sunday, November 10, two prisoners, a man and a woman, were executed in Tabriz Prison. They had previously been sentenced to death in separate cases on charges related to drug offenses.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the identities of the executed prisoners have been confirmed as “Kazem Babayi, 45, and Mahrokh Khani, 34.”

HRANA’s investigation reveals that Ms. Khani was arrested five years ago, and Mr. Babayi three years ago, in separate cases involving drug-related charges. Both were subsequently sentenced to death by judicial authorities.

As of the time of this report, prison officials and relevant authorities have not publicly announced the executions.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

Two Prisoners Executed in Zahedan and Ghezel Hesar Prisons

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, Mohammad-Nabi Papal Zehi, Mojtaba Ghasemi, Zabol, Zahedan Prison

Two prisoners previously sentenced to death in separate cases involving drug-related charges and murder were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj and Zahedan Prison.

According to Haal Vsh, on the morning of Sunday, November 10, 2024, an Afghan national was hanged in Zahedan Prison. His identity has been confirmed as Mohammad-Nabi Papal Zehi, approximately 28 years old, married, and a resident of Zabol.

He was arrested two years ago in connection with drug-related charges in Zahedan and was subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of the city. He had been transferred to solitary confinement a day before the execution and was allowed a final meeting with his family.

According to Kurdpa, separately, on Wednesday, November 6, another prisoner, identified as Mojtaba Ghasemi, a resident of a village in Harsin County, was executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Mr. Ghasemi was arrested approximately four years ago on murder charges and sentenced to death by judicial authorities.

Both executions have not been publicly announced by prison officials or responsible institutions as of this report.

Notably, HRANA had previously reported the execution of eight other prisoners in Ghezel Hesar Prison on Wednesday, November 6.

Political Prisoner Varisheh Moradi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Baghi, Evin Prison, Varishe Moradi, Varisheh Moradi, وریشه مرادی

Political prisoner Varisheh Moradi, currently held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death on charges of baghi (armed rebellion) by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The verdict was issued under the supervision of Judge Abolqasem Salavati.

Ms. Moradi was arrested on August 1, 2023, by security forces near Sanandaj. Following her arrest, she underwent interrogation at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, referred to as Ward 209 of Evin Prison. On December 26, 2023, after the completion of the interrogation process, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison.

The legal process in Ms. Moradi’s case has been marked by delays:

  • The first court session, held on June 17, 2024, addressed charges including membership in an opposition group and baghi.
  • A hearing scheduled for August 4, 2024, was postponed due to Ms. Moradi’s absence.
  • Another hearing on August 28, 2024, was canceled because the prosecutor’s representative and Judge Amuzad, serving as an advisor, were not present.

The second court session finally took place on October 5, 2024, during which the death sentence was finalized.

In a separate case involving four other prisoners, Ms. Moradi was recently sentenced to six months of imprisonment by Branch 2 of the Quds Judicial Complex in Tehran. This sentence relates to accusations of “assaulting an officer and defiance” during a protest in the women’s ward of Evin Prison on August 7, 2024.

The protest erupted after inmates learned of the execution of Reza Rasaei, leading to a confrontation with prison guards. This incident resulted in new charges against Ms. Moradi and other prisoners.