Category: Executions

January Protests: Death Sentence of Sasan Azadvar Junaqani Upheld by Supreme Court

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan, Mahmoud Kazemzadeh, Sasan Azadvar Junaqani

HRANA – The death sentence of Sasan Azadvar Junaqani, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently being held in one of the solitary confinement cells of Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been upheld by the Supreme Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court some time ago. Additionally, yesterday his family was summoned to the prison and met with him.
A family member, in an interview with an HRANA journalist, described the meeting as a “last visit,” adding: “Given that Azadvar is being held in solitary confinement, his family is deeply concerned about his condition.”

Sasan Azadvar Junaqani was arrested on January 1, 2026, during nationwide protests in Isfahan. He was later tried in March 2026 by Branch One of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, presided over by Seyed Mahmoud Kazemzadeh, with advisor Mohammad Vakili.

On March 17, 2026, his verdict was issued. He was sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh, including:
(a) effectively inciting military forces to desert and refuse to carry out their duties during unrest with the intent to oppose the regime and overthrow the government;
(b) destruction of public property and disruption of public order.

He was also sentenced to 15 months in prison for “propaganda against the system,” 7 years in prison for “inciting or provoking people to engage in war and killing one another with the intent to disrupt national security,” including encouraging unrest in public and online spaces, 25 months in prison for insulting the Supreme Leader.

Sasan Azadvar Junaqani, 21, is a karate athlete and a resident of Isfahan.

It should be noted that following the onset of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran on February 28, 2026, the issuance and implementation of death sentences against prisoners facing political and security-related charges have intensified, driven by an expedited judicial process.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Three Prisoners Executed in Tabriz Prison

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Executions, News
Akbar Molaei, Hanifeh Avandi, HRANA, Javad Abedi, Tabriz Prison

HRANA – The death sentences of three prisoners in Tabriz Prison, who had previously been convicted on charges related to drug offenses and murder, have been carried out.

According to a report by the Iran Human Rights Organization, on the morning of Sunday, April 19, 2026 , a woman named Hanifeh Avandi was executed in Tabriz Prison. She had previously been sentenced to death on a murder charge. Additionally, on the morning of Wednesday, April 22, 2026, two other prisoners, Akbar Molaei, 38, and Javad Abedi, 41, were executed in the same prison. They had been tried in a joint case on charges related to drug offenses.

The report further states that Hanifeh Avandi was forced into marriage at a young age under family pressure and, about five years ago, after a period of married life, killed her husband. A prison doctor, referring to her mental condition, stated that she had suffered from psychological issues during her imprisonment and had been under medical supervision. The doctor also emphasized that she had been in unfair circumstances and should not have been sentenced to death.

According to the report, Akbar Molaei and Javad Abedi were arrested about three years ago on charges of transporting and possessing four kilograms of narcotics (methamphetamine and heroin) and were sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Tabriz. It has been reported that Akbar Molaei had a 7-year-old child.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

Death Sentence of Mohammad Abbasi, 25-Year Term for Daughter Upheld by Supreme Court

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Sharifzadeh Ardakani, Evin Prison, Fatemeh Abbasi, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Mohammad Abbasi

HRANA – The death sentence of Mohammad Abbasi, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison, has been upheld by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court. In addition, the Supreme Court has fully upheld the 25-year prison sentence of his daughter, Fatemeh Abbasi, who is detained in the women’s ward of Evin Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court rejected the appeal and upheld Mohammad Abbasi’s death sentence.
Likewise, the 25-year prison sentence of Fatemeh Abbasi was fully confirmed by the same branch.
Currently, Mr. Abbasi is being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison, while his daughter Fatemeh Abbasi remains in the women’s ward of Evin Prison.

These individuals were arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 in connection with the case involving the killing of Second Lieutenant Shahin Dehghani Kakavandi in Malard. Following initial trial proceedings, Mr. Abbasi was sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh (enmity against God) by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. His daughter, Fatemeh Abbasi, was also sentenced by the same branch to 25 years in prison.

After the initial verdict was issued, Ali Sharifzadeh Ardakani, an attorney, stated in an interview with Emtedad that the case had been referred to Branch 39 of the Supreme Court following an appeal by court-appointed counsel. He further noted that “Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, citing Note to Article 48 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prevented him and another colleague from representing the case.” The report by Emtedad added that there are numerous ambiguities surrounding the case of these two defendants, but independent lawyers have been unable to review the case due to lack of access.

January Protests: Four Defendants, Including One Woman, Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Erfan Amiri, Evin Prison, hsan Hosseinipour Hesarlou, January Protests, Maryam Hodavand, Matin Mohammadi, Pakdasht

HRANA – Ehsan Hosseinipour Hesarlou, Matin Mohammadi, Erfan Amiri, and Maryam Hodavand, four individuals arrested during the protests of January 2026, have been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Tehran. These sentences were issued in connection with the case of the fire at the “Seyyed al-Shohada” mosque in Pakdasht.

These individuals were sentenced to death under a ruling issued by Iman Afshari, judge of Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The charges include “participation in the killing of two Basij members” named Ali-Akbar and Taha, “intentional arson of a religious site,” “destruction of public property,” and “assembly and collusion against national security.”

According to information received by HRANA, the cited evidence includes alleged participation in protest gatherings on January 8, 2026 in Pakdasht and the throwing of Molotov cocktails into the mosque. A significant portion of the case file is reportedly based on confessions attributed to the defendants, obtained under unclear circumstances, along with reports by case officers and footage said to be from local surveillance cameras.

A source close to the families of the defendants told HRANA that the death sentences of Hosseinipour Hesarlou, Mohammadi, and Amiri have recently been upheld by the Supreme Court and referred to the sentence enforcement branch.

Maryam Hodavand, 45 years old and a mother of two, was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison after her arrest and remains detained there. During the legal proceedings, she was denied access to an independent lawyer, and her case was handled without adherence to fair trial standards.

The status of the other three defendants, including their place of detention, is still under review.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Death Sentence of Naser Bakrzadeh Upheld by the Supreme Court

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Executions, News, Prisoners
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Naser Bakrzadeh, Naser Bekrzadeh

HRANA – The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Naser Bakrzadeh, a political prisoner held in Urmia Prison, for the third time. He had previously been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on charges of espionage for Israel.

According to Kurdpa, following confirmation by Iran’s highest judicial authority, the ruling was officially communicated to Mr. Bakrzadeh on April 25 at the sentence enforcement office of Urmia Prison.

Naser Bakrzadeh was arrested in January 2024. He was initially held for some time in the IRGC Intelligence Detention Facility in Urmia before being transferred to Urmia Prison.

He was first sentenced to death in November 2024 by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on charges of “espionage for Israel and cooperation with the Mossad intelligence service.” This ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court in April 2025, and his case was referred to a parallel branch for reconsideration.

For the second time, he was sentenced to death in September 2025 by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on the charge of “espionage for Israel.” This sentence was also overturned by the Supreme Court in November 2025. He was again sentenced to death for the third time on February 3, 2026 by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Shahini.

According to an informed source close to his family, Naser Bakrzadeh, approximately 27 years old, was denied basic rights during his detention, including the ability to contact and meet with his family.

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Iran Executes Amer Ramesh on Security Charges

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Executions, News
Amer Ramesh, HRANA, عامر رامش

HRANA – The Judiciary’s Media Center reported that the death sentence of Amer Ramesh, a prisoner charged with security-related offenses including “armed rebellion (baghi)” and membership in an armed anti-state group, has been carried out. The sentence was implemented at dawn today after being upheld by the Supreme Court.

According to IRNA, the death sentence of Amer Ramesh, was carried out at dawn on Sunday, April 26, following confirmation by the Supreme Court. The Judiciary’s Media Center stated that Mr. Ramesh had been sentenced to death during legal proceedings on charges including “armed rebellion through bombings and ambushes against military forces,” “membership in Jaish al-Adl,” and “cooperation with anti-government groups.”

According to the claims of this body, he had previously been arrested during a security operation in the Pirsohrab area of Chabahar County and, after a case was formed, was tried in the Revolutionary Court.

The judiciary has cited examples of the charges against him, including “participation in shootings toward law enforcement forces, presence in ambush operations, and attempts to carry out roadside bombings.” It has also been claimed that he received military and security training abroad before returning to Iran.

The Judiciary stated that the case evidence included “reports from law enforcement officers, data extracted from communication devices, and the defendant’s statements.” However, no independent details have been published regarding the manner of his arrest, conditions of detention, his effective access to a lawyer during different stages of the proceedings, or the quality of the judicial process.

Meanwhile, local sources have identified the prisoner as Amer Ramesh, approximately 19 years old from the village of Balingi in Chabahar County. According to these reports, he was transferred to a solitary confinement cell in Zahedan Prison on April 24 for the execution of his sentence, which was carried out in that prison. However, official reports have not specified the location where the execution took place.

It is worth noting that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, the implementation of death sentences in Iran has entered a new and concerning phase, one marked by a strong focus on prisoners with political and security-related charges and a noticeable acceleration in executions.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

January Protests: Erfan Kiani Executed

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Executions, News
Erfan Kiani, Isfahan, moharebeh, عرفان کیانی

HRANA – The death sentence of Erfan Kiani, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests in Isfahan, was carried out early this morning. During the judicial process, he had been charged with offenses including moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to Mizan News Agency, the charges against this protester included “moharebeh through drawing a cold weapon (machete) with the intent to intimidate the public,” “creating insecurity,” “inciting individuals to violent actions,” and “participation in the destruction of public property.”

The published report lists examples of these accusations, including participation in protest gatherings, destruction of public and private property, arson, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces, blocking streets, and carrying a cold weapon. It is also claimed that he had a leadership role among a group of protesters.

According to the Judiciary, following his arrest during the January 2026 protests, he was sentenced to death by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. After an appeal, the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court and was carried out at dawn on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

No further details have been released regarding the circumstances of his arrest, whether he had effective access to legal counsel during different stages of the proceedings, the conditions of his detention prior to execution, or the exact location where the sentence was carried out.

It should be noted that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 27, 2026, the implementation of death sentences in Iran has entered a new and concerning phase, one marked by a strong focus on prisoners with political and security-related charges and a noticeable acceleration in executions.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

A Prisoner Executed in Alborz Province

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Executions, News
Alborz province, Faraja, HRANA, Mohammadmehdi Vakili

HRANA – The legal deputy of Iran’s Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA) announced the execution of a defendant convicted in the murder case of an anti-narcotics officer named Mohammadmehdi Vakili in Alborz Province. According to him, the police officer was killed during a confrontation related to drug trafficking.

According to ISNA, the legal deputy of FARAJA stated in this regard: “The defendant in the murder case of Mohammadmehdi Vakili, an anti-narcotics officer of the Law Enforcement Force in Charbagh County, located in Alborz Province, was hanged.”

He added that the police officer had been killed while on duty on February 20, 2023, during a clash with a drug trafficker.

In November 2023, the defendant in this case had been sentenced to death on the mentioned charge by Branch 2 of the Criminal Court One of Alborz Province.

The report does not provide further details, including the identity of the prisoner or the exact location and date of the execution.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

Political Prisoner Sultanali Shirzadi Fakhr Executed

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Executions, News
moharebeh, Sultanali Shirzadi Fakhr

HRANA – The judiciary announced the execution of Sultanali (Sultan-Ali) Shirzadi Fakhr, a political prisoner, stating that he had been sentenced to death on charges including “membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization, collaboration with Israel, and enmity against God (Moharebeh).”

According to Mizan News Agency, the death sentence of Sultanali Shirzadi Fakhr was implemented at dawn on Thursday, April 23, after completing legal proceedings and being confirmed by the Supreme Court.

According to the claims of this institution, the charges against him included “membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization, cooperation with Israel’s intelligence service, and moharebeh.”

Mizan News Agency has claimed that he joined the group in the 1980s after leaving the country and, following military training, participated in operations including “Forough Javidan” and “Chelcheragh.” It was also stated that in recent years, after residing abroad, he entered Iran under the cover of a family visit on a mission allegedly linked to foreign intelligence bodies and was arrested upon arrival.

The location where the execution was carried out has not been announced by the judiciary’s media center or other official authorities.

It is worth noting that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, the execution of prisoners with political-security charges has accelerated.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

January Protests: Amir-Ali Mirjafari Executed

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Executions, News
Amir-Ali Mirjafari, Amirali Mirjafari, HRANA

HRANA – The death sentence of Amir-Ali Mirjafari, arrested during the December–January 2026 protests, was carried out early this morning. He had faced charges during the judicial process including “espionage” and “acting against national security.”

According to Mizan, Amir-Ali Mirjafari was hanged at dawn today after his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court. Based on the report, this citizen was arrested during the Dey protests and, in the course of judicial proceedings, was sentenced to death on charges such as “operational actions for the Zionist regime and hostile governments” and cooperation with what were described as “networks affiliated with Mossad.”

In the report, he is described as a “leader of a network,” and accusations against him include directing protest actions and maintaining contact with foreign intelligence entities. The alleged charges cited include setting fire to the Qolhak Grand Mosque, destroying public property such as buses and motorcycles, blocking roads by burning trash bins, and attacking security forces with cold weapons.

The report claims that court sessions were held in the presence of the defendant and his lawyer, and that the issued verdict was approved by the Supreme Court after completing legal procedures.

It is also claimed that the defendant’s active presence in the protests was established through “technical examinations” and “visual documentation,” which were used as evidence in the case. However, no independent details are available regarding how this evidence was examined or whether it could be verified through a transparent judicial process.

It is worth noting that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, the execution of prisoners with political-security charges has accelerated.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.