Iran's Execution Surge Overshadowed by War, Rights Groups Warn
Iran is facing allegations of using the ongoing US-Israeli war as a cover to escalate executions, with rights organizations reporting a significant increase in state-sanctioned killings. The regime has long employed the death penalty to suppress dissent, but recent actions suggest a deliberate effort to withhold information, making it difficult to verify the full extent of the crisis.
Brutal Treatment of Detainees
Peyvand Naimi, a 30-year-old arrested during mass street protests in January, exemplifies the harsh conditions faced by prisoners. He has endured over a month in solitary confinement, televised forced confessions, mock hangings, beatings, psychological torture, and starvation. Accused of involvement in security agent deaths and celebrating the death of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Naimi has been denied legal representation, with his family fearing imminent execution.
"My whole body was shaking when I heard about the torture he has endured," says Zahra Hosseini, a close relative. "It's unbelievable. I am very worried."
Surge in Executions Amid War
At least 145 executions have been confirmed in 2026 so far, with over 400 additional reports unverified due to internet shutdowns and lack of official announcements. Iran Human Rights notes that many death sentences are communicated only to prisoners and their families, creating a climate of fear and secrecy. Earlier this month, three men were publicly hanged after arrests related to the January protests, convicted of moharebeh, or waging war against God.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights, states, "We are concerned that these executions and human rights violations are overshadowed by the war. Right now, everyone is thinking about oil prices, and because of that the political cost of these executions is very low."
Cases of Forced Confessions and Torture
Shervin Bagherian Jabali, an 18-year-old, learned of his death sentence through a state television broadcast where an interrogator defined moharebeh as execution. He reportedly faced mock executions to force a confession. This week, executions included Mohammad Taghavi and Akbar Daneshvarkar for armed rebellion, and Babak Alipour and Pouya Ghobadi for opposition group membership, all following allegations of torture.
Mansoureh Mills, Amnesty International's Iran researcher, explains, "Since the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom uprising, Iranian authorities have deliberately weaponised the death penalty to instil fear among the population and suppress dissent."
Worsening Prison Conditions
Prisoners face severe overcrowding, denial of basic necessities, enforced disappearances, and torture. In Mahabad, security forces used teargas against protesting detainees, while in Evin prison, activists have been transferred to unknown locations. Reza Younesi reported that 22 prisoners were forcibly removed from Ghezel Hesar prison, with families left uninformed.
Danial Niazi, an 18-year-old Kurdish minority member, has been charged with multiple offenses including moharebeh. His mother saw him bruised and unable to walk after beatings, with threats made against his family. Awin Mostafazadeh of Kurdpa notes, "They told him they would arrest his mother and rape her in front of him, and detain and torture his brother."
Historical Context and Future Concerns
Executions have risen sharply, with at least 1,639 in 2025 compared to 975 in 2024, according to UN reports, though civil society groups estimate over 2,000. Most executions are for drug or murder charges, with only 7% officially announced. The internet blackout exacerbates the situation, hindering accurate reporting and accountability.
Hosseini emphasizes the need for awareness, "The only thing that could possibly make a difference was to be his voice and to make sure everybody knows what's going on. When someone is committing a crime in a dark place, they feel comfortable, but as soon as you put the spotlight on them, they get scared."
