Iran executes dozens amid nationwide protests, internet blackout

Amid widespread anti-government protests and a near-total internet shutdown, at least 52 prisoners were executed in Iran between January 5 and 14, information compiled by HRANA, the Human Rights Activists News Agency confirmed.

The executions spanned 42 prisons across multiple provinces, targeting individuals convicted on charges including murder, drug-related offenses, and other non-political crimes.

The executions occurred under conditions of severely restricted public access to information, effectively preventing independent oversight of judicial proceedings and the enforcement of death sentences. “Despite severe communication restrictions nationwide, the implementation of death sentences continued without interruption,” HRANA reported.

Between January 5 and 12, at least 37 prisoners were executed across various facilities: Mohammadjavad Rasouli in Nowshahr Prison, Arsalan Arabi in Rasht Prison, and Mahyar Mohammadi in Sanandaj Prison—all on murder charges. Additional executions included Mostafa Sheikhi (Khorramabad), Samyar Emkani (Kermanshah), Ebrahim Rayati (Hamedan), Bahman Shokri (Dezful), and Masoud Mardani (Yasuj).

Executions on drug-related charges were also reported. Ahmad Hemmati was executed in Gonabad Prison on January 7, with Khodarahm Mehri (Esfarayen), Vali Karambeigi-Nejad (Quchan), Mehdi Babaei (Nahavand), Abdolhossein Zakipour (Arak), and Mola Joozipour (Semnan) following suit. A new wave of executions between January 10 and 12 included Sasan Amini in Karaj Prison and Reza Shahmohammadi in Aligudarz Prison.

On January 13, at least 10 prisoners were executed nationwide, six for murder—including Sohrab Fathi in Birjand and Mohammad-Amin Boghlani in Ahvaz—and four for drug-related and other non-security crimes. On January 14, five additional executions were reported, including Dariush Bozorgi in Mahabad and Yaser Akbari in Shahrekord. HRANA is still reviewing details regarding seven of the executed prisoners.

None of the executions have been officially announced by Iranian prison authorities or other government institutions. Human rights organizations warn that carrying out capital punishments amid internet blackouts and restricted information flow significantly increases the risk of serious human rights violations, including denial of fair trial rights and the right to life.

According to HRANA’s annual report, at least 2,063 individuals were executed in Iran from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026—a 119% increase compared to 2024. In many cases, prisoners were reportedly denied even a final visit with family members due to the secrecy surrounding their executions.

By Vafa Guliyeva