In recent days, Iranian authorities have executed multiple prisoners in various prisons across the country, marking a significant increase in the use of the death penalty. According to reports, at least 14 individuals were executed in prisons in Ahvaz, Karaj, and Esfahan between October 28 and October 31, 2024.
Execution in Sepidar Prison, Ahvaz
On the morning of Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 36-year-old Sardar Safarpour (also known as Habibi) was executed in Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz. Safarpour, a resident of Ahvaz, had been arrested in the previous year on charges of murder and subsequently sentenced to death.
Executions in Central Prison of Karaj
In the early hours of Tuesday, October 29, 2024, five prisoners were executed in the Central Prison of Karaj. Among those executed were Mohammad Nedaei and Akbar Khorram-Taj, who had been convicted on charges related to drug offenses. The identities of the remaining three prisoners executed in Karaj were confirmed as Akbar Akhair, Akbar Khalili, and Ali Karami.
Additional Executions in Ghezel Hesar Prison and Jiroft Prison
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, five more prisoners were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj and in Jiroft Prison. Those executed in Ghezel Hesar included Mostafa Gholamzadeh, Mohammad Jalali, Saman Anbari, and an Afghan national named Abdullah Tajik. Gholamzadeh and Tajik had been convicted of drug-related offenses, while Jalali and Anbari faced charges of moharebeh (enmity against God) due to their involvement in armed robbery.
The prisoner executed in Jiroft Prison, identified as Ahmad Salari, had been arrested a decade earlier on murder charges and was sentenced to death following his conviction.
Execution in Esfahan Prison
On Monday, October 28, 2024, another execution took place in Esfahan Prison. The individual executed, named Hassan Saberi, had been arrested five years prior on drug-related charges and subsequently sentenced to death.
Some observers believe that the Iranian regime is using the recent surge in executions as a means to instill fear and deter public dissent. According to these analysts, the authorities may be seeking to suppress potential protests and discourage anti-regime activism by demonstrating a heightened willingness to carry out severe punishments. This tactic, they argue, aims to consolidate control and curb any movements challenging the regime’s authority, especially amid rising social and economic discontent.
