JINAMEDIA — Human rights organizations are sounding the alarm over a chilling surge in the use of the death penalty in Iran. In the first three months of 2026 alone, at least 160 individuals have been executed, including political prisoners, young protesters, and women. Recent reports highlight a series of secret executions at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, targeting those involved in political activism and civil unrest.
In early April 2026, the Iranian judiciary carried out several death sentences against political dissidents at Ghezel Hesar Prison. These executions were reportedly conducted in secret, with authorities denying the prisoners the right to a final visit with their families.
Abolhassan Montazer (66) & Vahid Bani-Amerian (34): Executed on the morning of Saturday, April 4, 2026. Both were convicted of "Baghy" (armed rebellion) due to alleged membership in the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK).
The January Protesters: Three young men arrested during the January 2026 protests were executed within just three months of their detention:
Amir Hossein Hatami (19): Executed on April 2, 2026.
Mohammad Amin Biglari (19, a computer student) & Shahin Vahedparast Kalor (30): Both executed secretly on April 5, 2026.
These young men were sentenced by Judge Salavati in Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of "Moharebeh" (enmity against God). Defense lawyers noted that they were denied access to case files and that the convictions were based on "forced confessions" obtained under severe physical and psychological torture.
According to data documented by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, at least 160 prisoners were executed across Iran in the first quarter of 2026. While this is a 31% decrease compared to the same period in 2025 (233 executions), the rate remains among the highest globally.
| Charge | Number of Executions |
| Premeditated Murder | 92 (57.5%) |
| Drug-Related Offenses | 46 |
| Political & Religious Beliefs |
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