Human Rights Violations in Iran from 20 April to 20 May: One Execution Every Four Hours
1-June-2025
Category: ethnic minorities، Freedom of Expression، Labor and guilds، Prisoners، protesters، religious minorities، Repression، Retirees، Students، Women
27 May, 2025
News Category: Freedom of Expression – Protests – Religious Minorities – Ethnic Minorities – Arrests – Pensioners – Suicides – Students – Women – Prisoners – Repression – Labourers and Guilds
Breathing in Confinement – Tuesday, 27 May 2025
According to data recorded by the Statistics Centre of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, the past month has shown one of the highest execution rates in Iran in the past two decades. Between 20 April and 20 May, at least 168 people were executed in prisons across the country — a staggering 101% increase compared to the previous month, and a 30.5% rise compared to the same period last year.
Only 11 cases among these executions were reported by state media of the Islamic Republic, clearly pointing to systematic and deliberate concealment by the authorities.
Amid worsening economic and political crises, the Iranian government appears to be using executions as a tool to instil fear and suppress dissent, while deliberately avoiding public announcements to limit international repercussions.
A significant number of those executed had been charged with drug-related offences — accusations that often target impoverished individuals with no ties to organised crime.
Meanwhile, according to various reports and documents, major drug trafficking networks in Iran are tied to state institutions, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Based on the Prisoners’ Rights League’s statistical records and verified witness testimonies, this report highlights how executions in Iran have become a structural tool for repression and distraction from the country’s deepening social and economic crises.
The aim of this report is to expose the hidden realities and to call on international bodies to take urgent action to halt this ongoing cycle of state violence.
In addition to the rise in executions, the authorities continue to systematically violate human rights through arbitrary arrests, prison sentences, financial penalties, and unjust trials.
Human Rights Violations in Iran – May 2025
Summary of Key Events:
Summary of Key Events
- An unprecedented wave of prisoner executions, with at least 108 individuals executed in the past month.
- Issuance of death sentences for 11 prisoners, including 2 political prisoners, and confirmation of death sentences for 6 others, including one pop singer, by the Supreme Court.
- Arrest of at least 78 citizens; death of 7 prisoners due to lack of medical care; suicide of 1 prisoner following deprivation imposed in prison.
- Issuance of flogging sentences for 6 defendants, with 1 of them carried out.
- Issuance of prison and monetary fines for 29 political and ideological defendants; the total sentences amounting to 168 years and 1 month in prison and monetary fines totalling 1 billion and 105 million tomans; additionally, at least 12 political prisoners were detained to serve their sentences.
- Death of 68 workers and injury of at least 31 others due to work-related incidents; dismissal of at least 130 workers from production and service units.
- Over 430 protest actions carried out by various groups across the country; continued hunger strike by political prisoners under the campaign “No to Executions on Tuesdays”, now in its 69th consecutive week, spreading across 44 prisons nationwide; simultaneous protests by families of political prisoners against the issuance and implementation of execution sentences; ongoing protests by retirees and other social groups over worsening living conditions.
1. Comprehensive Analysis of Executions
Total Execution Statistics
- March–April 2025: 86 executions
- April–May 2025: 168 executions
- Increase: +82 cases (101% increase)
In May 2025, there has been an unprecedented surge in executions. The number of executions rose by 101% compared to the previous month, and by 30.5% compared to the same period last year. Such a spike is not only rare but is reportedly unmatched in the last two decades. This dramatic increase paints a clear picture of the worsening human rights situation in the Islamic Republic.
The rise in executions has occurred alongside growing public dissatisfaction over worsening economic and infrastructure crises, including frequent power outages, water shortages, skyrocketing prices, and rampant inflation. In this context, it appears that the government, fearing widespread social unrest, has increasingly turned to the tools of repression and execution.
On Wednesday, May 21, at least 22 prisoners were executed in various prisons across the country — an unprecedented and alarming number. This reflects a harsh and deliberate policy of using executions as a tool of intimidation and societal control. It presents a serious warning to the international community and human rights organisations to respond swiftly and effectively to this new wave of executions and widespread repression in Iran.
The diagram below illustrates the rise in executions over the past month.
Analysis based on accusation
| Charge Type | April | May | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug-related | 33 (40%) | 85 (51%) | +158% |
| Murder | 44 (53%) | 69 (41%) | +55% |
| Political | 6 (7%) | 2 (1%) | -67% |
| Moharebeh (waging war against God) | – | 2 (1%) | New |
| Espionage | – | 1 (0.6%) | New |
| Rape | – | 8 (5%) | New |
| Unspecified | – | 1 (0.6%) | New |
Between 20 April– 20May, 51% of executions were carried out on drug-related charges. Among those executed, 85 prisoners had been convicted of drug offences, while 69 were executed for murder.
Executions related to drug-related charges over the past month show an unprecedented increase compared to the same period last year. This highlights the determination of the Islamic Republic authorities to maintain high execution figures as a tool to intimidate society and exert greater control.
While between 20 March and 20 April of this year, the ratio of executions was reversed, with 53% of executions related to murder charges, the trend has now shifted dramatically toward drug-related offences.
The chart below illustrates the proportion of executions in the past month and the next chart shows the comparative proportions over the past two months.
Analysis Based on the Characteristics of Executed Prisoners
Gender and Age
Women:
- 20 March– 20 April: 5 women (6%)
- 20 April– 20May: 7 women (4.2%)
In May 2025, the execution of women in Iran increased by 40% compared to the previous month. According to human rights sources, 7 women were executed in this months in various prisons across the country. With the 5 executions in March–April, the total number of women executed since the beginning of the year now stands at 12.
Most of these women were sentenced to death without access to a sufficient access to a lawyer or a fair defence, indicating serious violations of due process and fair trial rights.
Based on available information, the women executed in May 2025 include:
A Number of Women Executed in May:
- Marjan Sabzi – Isfahan Prison
- Saghar (surname unknown) – Karaj Prison
- Mahtab Amiri – Adelabad Prison, Shiraz
- Asrar Amani – Shiraz Prison
- Hafzeh Balochzehi – Greater Tehran Prison
- Setareh Taherloo – Damghan Prison
- Mahboubeh Khosronejad – Gorgan Prison
These women were largely rejected by their families and, following their arrest, lacked access to an independent lawyer or any form of social support. As a result, their legal proceedings were marked by a complete inability to defend themselves and a violation of the principle of a fair trial.
Juvenile Offenders:
Despite the Islamic Republic of Iran’s international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and human rights covenants—which define anyone under 18 as a child—the country continues to carry out executions of juvenile offenders.
According to available data, in the first two months of the Persian year 1404 (March–May 2025), at least five juvenile offenders were executed in Iranian prisons:
- 20 March- 20 April: 2 individuals (2.4 %)
- 20 April – 20 May: 3 individual (1.8%)
- Rise + 50%
Documented Cases:
- Hadi Rostami – Executed at the age of 18
This juvenile was arrested at the age of 16 and charged with murder under torture and pressure during interrogation. It is reported that the killing occurred in self-defence against sexual assault. Nevertheless, immediately after turning 18, his execution was carried out. This act not only violates international human rights standards but also indicates a deliberate strategy to circumvent international law. - Behnam Bargpush – Executed at Yasuj Prison
At the time of the alleged offence, this child was only 13 years old. He was accused of murder and, after several years in prison, was executed at the age of 19, despite the fact that the crime occurred while he was underage. His execution is a clear violation of the principles of a fair trial. - Mohammadreza Sabzi – Executed at Bojnourd Prison
There is limited information available about his case. However, reports indicate that he was also under 18 at the time of the alleged offence and was ultimately executed.
Notable Cases of Politically-Motivated Executions
20 March– 20 April 2025:
- Malek Ali Fedayee Nasab
- Farhad Shakeri
- Abdul Hakim Azim Gorgij
- Abdul Rahman Gorgij
- Taj Mohammad Khormali
- Ali Dahani
20 April– 20 May 2025
- Hamid Hossein-Nejad Heydaranlou (executed secretly in Urmia Prison)
- Rostam Zeinaldini (Haji Gol) – Zahedan Prison
Government Concealment🏛️
Executions in Iran – March–May 2025
| Month | Total Executions | Announced | Concealed | Rate of Governmental Concealment |
| MAR- APR | 86 | 0 | 86 | 100% |
| APR- MAY | 168 | 11 | 157 | 93.4% |
The chart below shows the proportion of officially reported executions versus concealed executions.
In May 2025, according to verified reports, at least 108 executions were carried out in various prisons across Iran. However, only 11 of these executions were reported by the official media of the Islamic Republic. This stark discrepancy between actual and publicly announced figures reflects a systematic state policy of concealing execution statistics.
While the Islamic Republic increasingly relies on the death penalty as a tool to instil fear and suppress widespread dissent, secret executions also demonstrates heightened concern over international backlash, leading judicial authorities to withhold public details — particularly in cases involving drug-related charges.
A significant portion of those executed in May were prisoners convicted of drug-related offences. Yet, according to available documentation, the key players in organised drug trafficking in Iran are networks linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — networks that are involved in drug trafficking not only domestically, but regionally as well. Meanwhile, the executed individuals were often from marginalised sectors of society, driven by poverty, unemployment, and economic desperation to engage in low-level drug transport. These individuals had no role in the structures of organised drug crime, yet were met with inhuman death sentences.
These punishments have been condemned by international human rights organisations as clear violations of justice and of the principles of fair trial.
The state’s silence and concealment in this regard expose not only the ineffectiveness of the Iranian judiciary, but also the regime’s fear of international scrutiny and the exposure of systemic injustice in the country’s criminal justice system. Many human rights observers believe that Iranian judicial authorities must be held accountable for these crimes before international courts.
The Islamic Republic of Iran and Systematic Violations of International Standards in the Use of Punishment
Executions
While a large part of the global community is moving toward restricting and abolishing the death penalty, the Islamic Republic of Iran still holds the second-highest execution rate in the world and continues to systematically disregard the fundamental principles of human rights.
❗Clear Violation of International Conventions by Iran:
Despite being a signatory to some of the most important international human rights treaties, Iran in practice shows no commitment to its obligations and openly violates the core provisions of these conventions:
- ❌ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Which emphasises the right to life, the prohibition of torture, and the assurance of a fair trial. - ❌ Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
Which explicitly prohibits the execution of individuals under the age of 18. - ❌ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Although Iran is not a signatory, its laws and practices regarding the execution of women reflect systemic discrimination and structural violence against women. - ❌ UN Guidelines on the Use of the Death Penalty
Which state that this punishment should be limited to the “most serious crimes” and imposed only following a full and fair judicial process — something that is rarely observed in Iran.
2. Issuance and Confirmation of Death Sentences
📊 New Sentencing Statistics
| Type of Sentence | April | May | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Death Sentences | 4 | 11 | +175% |
| Sentence Confirmations | 5 | 6 | +20% |
🔸 Notable Death Sentences – May 2025
Political Prisoners Sentenced to Death:
🔴 Peyman (Amin) Farahavar
– Poet and political prisoner from Gilan
– Charge: Baghi and Moharebeh (armed rebellion and waging war against God) – alleged affiliation with the MEK (Mujahedin-e-Khalq)
– Court: Branch 1, Revolutionary Court of Rasht
🔴 Ehsan Faridi
– 22-year-old university student at Tabriz University
– Charge: Efsad fel-Arz (corruption on earth) – alleged affiliation with the MEK (Mujahedin-e-Khalq)
– Court: Branch 1, Revolutionary Court of Tabriz
Confirmed Sentences:
🎤 Amirhossein Maghsoudloo (Tataloo)
– Pop singer
– Charge: Insulting sacred beliefs
– Status: Sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
Between 20 April– 20 May 2025, at least 11 individuals were issued death sentences, and the death sentences of 6 other prisoners were upheld by the country’s Supreme Court. This marks a 175% increase in the confirmation of death sentences compared to the previous month. This trend reflects a systematic effort to escalate the use of executions.
These sentences cover a wide range of charges, including political, ideological, and religious accusations, and in many cases have been issued without adherence to fair trial standards.
Among the confirmed or newly issued death sentences were:
- 2 political prisoners
- 10 charged with murder
- 1 charged with insulting sacred beliefs
- 3 charged with complicity in corruption on earth (efsad fel-arz)
- 1 charged with sexual assault
Each of these death sentences was either newly issued or reached final confirmation.
Among the death sentences issued, the following cases were highlighted:
🔹 Peyman (Amin) Farahavar, poet and political prisoner from Gilan, was sentenced to death on charges of baghi (armed rebellion) and moharebeh (waging war against God) due to alleged affiliation with the Mujahedin-e-Khalq. The sentence was issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht, presided over by Judge Mohammad Darvish.
🔹 Ehsan Faridi, a 22-year-old student at Tabriz University, was also sentenced to death on charges of efsad fel-arz (corruption on earth) due to alleged affiliation with the Mujahedin-e-Khalq. The sentence was issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Tabriz, with consultation from Branch 2.
🔹 Three other defendants were sentenced to death on charges of complicity in efsad fel-arz for allegedly supplying weapons, ammunition, and explosives used in attack at the Shahcheragh shrine incident. The sentences were issued by the Revolutionary Court in Shiraz.
🔹 Amirhossein Maghsoudloo (Tatalloo), a pop singer, was also sentenced to death on charges of insulting sacred beliefs. His sentence has been upheld by the Supreme Court, placing him at imminent risk of execution.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentences of three prisoners — one convicted of murder and two others — for public execution.
3- Comparison of the arrests:
Here is the recreated table in text format:
| April 2025 | May 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 82 arrests | 78 arrests | -5% |
Between 20 April– 20 May 2025, at least 78 individuals were arrested for political reasons. These individuals included:
- Former political prisoners
- Political activists
- Members of families seeking justice
- Workers
- Students
- Teachers and university professors
- Artists participating in, or individuals organising, Nowruz celebrations
- Participants in teacher protests and on International Workers’ Day
- Sunni clerics
- Online activists
- Supporters celebrating the victory of the Tractor football team
- Ethnic activists
- And other citizens arrested under various charges
Among those arrested is Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani, a former political prisoner, who was detained for chanting a protest slogan and carrying a sign that read: “Death to the Principle of the Supreme Leader’s Rule.”
Deaths in Prison:
In the past month, at least seven prisoners died in various prisons across the country, most reportedly due to lack of medical care.
Additionally, one prisoner reportedly died by suicide, following severe hardship and poor detention conditions.
The details of these prisoner deaths are as follows:
- Mehdi Alirezaei, a political prisoner in Behbahan Prison, died due to the lack of medical attention, despite repeated requests for medical help.
- Ali Sohrabi, a prisoner accused of smuggling goods and held in Hamedan, died of a heart attack just two days after being transferred from Baneh Prison.
It is worth noting that in March this year, two other prisoners named Farhad Ramazani and Kamal Mohammad Pour died in prison under similar circumstances. The death of three prisoners within a one-month period in Baneh Prison has raised serious suspicions of a possible security-related plot.
- Mehdi Naroui (Yousef Rakhshani), died under unclear circumstances in Zahedan Prison.
- Nabi Bayati, an Afghan National prisoner, died in Gharchak Prison unclear circumstances.
- Hefizollah Shahbakhsh (Rakhshani), an ordinary crimes prisoner in Zahedan Prison, died of a suspected heart attack shortly after a drug injection and transfer to solitary confinement.
- Sirus Fallah, accused of ordinary crimes, died in Dizelabad Prison in Kermanshah due to a heart attack and lack of medical care.
- Aziz Kabdanii, a death row inmate in Iranshahr Prison, died due to failure to transfer him on time to a medical facility.
- Hamed Geramvand, a prisoner in Mahidasht Prison in Kermanshah, died by suicide after being denied visitation and furlough despite his mother’s illness.
4- Flogging sentences
Here is the recreated table in text format:
| Indicator | April 2025 | May 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flogging Sentences Issued | 9 individuals | 6 individuals | -33% |
| Flogging Sentences | – | 1 case (74 lashes) | – |
| Total Lashes Issued | Unspecified | 332 lashes | – |
In the past month, 7 defendants sentenced to a total of 332 lashes. In addition, a sentence of 74 lashes was carried out for one political prisoner.
Five political prisoners held in Evin Prison were among those sentenced. They include:
- Masoud Vazifeh
- Sohrab Hassankhani
- Sina Maleki
- Mojtaba Ebrahimi
Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Eiman Afshari, issued a total of 184 lashes for individuals who protested the issuance of execution sentences for the defendants in the Ekbatan case.
The Revolutionary Court of Gorgan, presided over by Judge Jalali Tabar, sentenced political prisoner Zolfaqar Yazdandust to 74 lashes on charges of disrupting public order.
Tavakkol Tavakkoli Zaniani, was also sentenced to 74 lashes by a criminal court in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.
A sentence of 74 lashes was also carried out against political prisoner Reza Rezaei, held in Ward 4 of Evin Prison.
Flogging, A Legalised Torture
Flogging is a degrading punishment and a clear example of torture, which continues to be carried out in Iran under criminal Sharia law. It is brutally inhumane and violates human dignity. According to international human rights conventions, this punishment is strictly prohibited. Yet, despite this prohibition, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to issue and carry out flogging sentences through its courts, essentially legalising torture.
5- Fine and imprisonment sentences
Here is the recreated table in text format:
| Indicator | April 2025 | May 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Convictions | 32 | 29 | -9% |
| Total Imprisonment | 5 years & 49 months | 168 years & 1 month | +241% |
| Fines | 820 million Toman | 1.105 billion Toman | +35% |
| Detention Orders | 4 | 12 | +200% |
In April–May 2025, at least 29 individuals from various segments of society received prison sentences and monetary fines in 29 cases involving political and ideological charges. Additionally, 12 political prisoners were issued detention orders for the execution of their sentences.
The total sentences issued included:
- 168 years and 1 month of imprisonment
- Financial penalties totalling 1.105 billion Tomans
Those sentenced represent a broad cross-section of Iranian society, including:
- Political activists
- Teachers’ union activists
- Imprisoned political dissidents
- Defence lawyers
- Journalists
- Sunni clerics
- Disabled veterans of the Iran–Iraq war
- Environmental activists
- Ethnic activists
- Gonabadi dervishes
- Christian converts and Baháʼí citizens
insufficient safety measures and unsafe working conditions, at least 68 workers lost their lives and 31 others were injured while performing their duties.
The main causes of these incidents include:
- Lack of standard safety and health equipment
- Inadequate training for workers
- Lack of oversight by responsible institutions
- Negligence in providing safety equipment
- Employer greed and disregard for workers’ lives
- Failure to effectively and properly enforce occupational safety regulations
According to ISNA News Agency, Alireza Raeisi, the former Deputy Minister of Health, stated that approximately 10,000 people die annually in Iran due to work-related incidents, while official statistics from responsible institutions report the annual death of over 2,000 workers. It is worth noting that these figures do not include informal workers, cross-border porters (kulbars), fuel carriers, and other vulnerable groups who are excluded from official statistics.
7. Deaths in Custody
In the past month, at least seven prisoners died in various prisons across the country due to reasons including lack of medical care, and one other prisoner died by suicide after enduring imposed deprivations.
Political prisoner Mehdi Alirezaei died in Behbahan Prison despite repeated requests for medical attention, due to prison authorities’ negligence.
Ali Sohrabi, a prisoner from Hamedan charged with goods smuggling, died of a heart attack two days after being transferred to Baneh Prison.
Notably, in March, two other prisoners — Farhad Ramazani and Kamal Mohammadpour — also died in this prison under similar conditions. The death of three prisoners in one month in Baneh Prison under comparable circumstances has raised suspicions about the possible role of security forces in orchestrating harm against detainees.
Mehdi Narouei (also known as Yousef Rakhshani) died under unclear circumstances in Zahedan Prison.
Nabi Bayati, an Afghan national, died in Ghezel Hesar Prison.
Hafizullah Shahbakhsh (Rakhshani), imprisoned on non-political charges, died suspiciously in Zahedan Prison. Shahbakhsh reportedly died of cardiac arrest after being injected with medication and moved to solitary confinement.
Sirous Fallah, charged with non-political offences, died of a heart attack in Dizelabad Prison in Kermanshah due to lack of medical care.
Aziz Kabdani, a death row prisoner in Iranshahr Prison, died due to medical neglect and delayed transfer to a treatment centre.
Finally, Hamed Gharavand, imprisoned in Mahidasht Prison in Kermanshah, died by suicide after being denied furlough and unable to visit his ill mother.
8. Public Protests
Over the past month, more than 430 protests, rallies, or demonstrations were held by various segments of society across different parts of Iran.
The ongoing Tuesday hunger strike campaign titled “Tuesdays of No to Executions”, launched by political prisoners in protest against capital punishment, reached its sixty-ninth week. Alongside these hunger strikes, the families of death-row political prisoners and civil society activists held protest gatherings on Tuesdays in front of Evin Prison or other locations.
The hunger strike in protest against execution sentences spread to 44 prisons across the country. Reported prisons include:
Greater Tehran, Evin (women’s ward and wards 4, 6, and 8), Ghezel Hesar (units 3 and 4), Karaj Central, Khorramabad, Naghadeh, Khoy, Mashhad, Saqqez, Ardabil, Ghaemshahr, Urmia, Marivan, Kamyaran, Baneh, Salmas, Nezam Prison, Adel Abad Shiraz (men’s and women’s wards), Rasht (men’s and women’s wards), Bam, Tabriz, Arak, Kahnouj, Asadabad, Dastgerd Isfahan, Tabas, Khorin Varamin, Roudsar, Ahvaz (men’s and women’s wards), Ramhormoz, Talesh, Borazjan, Joveyn, Gonbad Kavus, Kermanshah, Ghazvin, Miandoab, Ozbroom Lahijan, Women’s Ward in Zahedan Prison, Sanandaj, Mahabad, Boukan, and Yasuj.
Regular weekly protests and marches by retirees from Social Security Organisation, Telecommunications, and Steel sectors continued in objection to their living conditions, low pensions, the lack of alignment between pensions and inflation, soaring prices, and other demands such as the implementation of pension equalisation plans, improvements in retirement benefits, and access to welfare services and free healthcare.
Telecommunications retirees, in addition to the above, also protested against the actions of the company’s major shareholders, including the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) and the IRGC Cooperative Foundation.
Official and contract workers in the oil and gas industries held gatherings and marches in protest of the repeated broken promises by officials regarding the elimination of outsourcing contractors and the realisation of their employment and livelihood demands.
Farmers in Isfahan province also held protests due to being deprived of their water rights.
Shopkeepers, artisans, workers, and farmers in various parts of the country also held protests in response to frequent power outages and the problems arising from them.
In more than 25 cities across the country, bakers protested against the non-payment of bakery subsidies, malfunctions in the “Nanino” bread distribution system, unchanged bread prices despite rising costs, and recurring electricity cuts.
Alongside these, various groups, including workers, drivers, defrauded investors, and other social sectors, also organised protest gatherings due to the lack of response to their demands and their harsh living and economic conditions.
Trend Analysis and Conclusion
- Intensification of Repression
- A 101.1% increase in execution statistics indicates a sharp escalation in repressive policies.
- A 241% increase in prison sentences, despite a decrease in the number of convicted individuals.
- Workplace Safety Crisis
- A 127% rise in worker deaths reflects the deterioration of working conditions.
- Lack of oversight and enforcement of safety standards.
- Rise in Public Resistance
- A 23% increase in protests indicates that repression has failed to diminish public resistance.
- Continued and expanded hunger strikes by political prisoners.
- Governmental Concealment
- Lack of transparency in reporting execution statistics; ongoing efforts to hide the extent of repression.
Final Conclusion
In April and May 2025, compared to the previous month, human rights violations in Iran increased significantly. The doubling of executions, the sharp rise in prison sentences, and the workplace safety crisis all point to the deteriorating state of human rights in the country.