Introduction
The Islamic Republic of Iran, through systematic repression, torture, executions, and extensive restrictions, prevents the realization of the most basic human rights, including freedom of expression, belief, and peaceful assembly. It criminalizes peaceful protests and suppresses citizens for expressing dissent. Death sentences against protesters are among the most egregious violations of human rights in Iran.
This report is the first issue in a special series on ten political prisoners sentenced to death in Iran. These prisoners include Behrouz Ehsani Eslamloo, Mehdi Hassani, Vahid Bani Amerian, Pouya Ghobadi Bistouni, Babak Alipour, Seyed Abolhassan Montazer, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, Ali Akbar Daneshvarkar, Mohammad Javad Vafaei Thani, and Manouchehr Fallah. These individuals have been subjected to severe torture and unfair trials due to their political and ideological activities and have been sentenced to death.
The Chain of Political Executions: A Gross Violation of Human Rights Under Iran’s Criminal Regime
Part 1:
Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani Eslamloo – Facing Execution, Yet Resilient and Dignified
In the first issue of this report, we examine the situation of two political prisoners sentenced to death: Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani Eslamloo. These two prisoners are supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) who were sentenced to death in an unjust process and under severe physical and psychological torture.
Behrouz Ehsani Eslamloo: A Symbol of Resistance for Freedom
Behrouz Ehsani Eslamloo, a 70-year-old political prisoner, was arrested at his home on November 28, 2022, during nationwide protests and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Deprived of legal representation and denied fair trial standards, he was sentenced to death on fabricated charges such as “armed rebellion (Baghi),” “waging war against God (Moharebeh),” “corruption on Earth (Efsad-e-fil-Arz),” and “membership in the PMOI.”
During his detention, he endured over 22 months of severe physical and psychological torture, spending three and a half months in solitary confinement in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Under immense pressure, he was forced to make false confessions but remained steadfast in his beliefs.
In September 2024, Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, issued his death sentence, which was upheld without due process by the Supreme Court.
From prison, he sent a message stating:
“At the age of 70, I will not bargain over my life with anyone. I am not concerned about the remaining 10% of my lifespan. I am ready to sacrifice my insignificant life for the liberation of the Iranian people. Our sentence was announced on the second anniversary of the 2022 uprising. I salute the more than 700 martyrs of that great uprising. This regime thrives on repression and execution. Beyond political prisoners, ordinary prisoners also face daily executions, and their crimes and accusations originate from this very regime.”
He has called on the international community and human rights organizations to take immediate action against the new wave of executions in Iran:
“To my fellow Iranians, international organizations, and human rights institutions: Act against executions in Iran today, because tomorrow will be too late. The people who seek freedom and a democratic republic do not deserve execution.”
Mehdi Hassani: A Resounding Voice for Freedom and Justice
Mehdi Hassani, a political prisoner and prominent activist born in 1976, is married and a father of three. He was arrested in September 2022 in Zanjan and, after months of enforced disappearance, was transferred to Evin Prison. He has suffered excruciating torture, prolonged solitary confinement, and severe health issues, including sciatica caused by torture, without access to medical care.
He was sentenced to death on false charges of “armed rebellion (Baghi),” “waging war against God (Moharebeh),” “corruption on Earth (Efsad-e-fil-Arz),” and “membership in the PMOI.” His trial was grossly unfair, held without a lawyer, in a single brief session, while his family was kept in the dark about his fate. In February 2025, his request for retrial was denied, and he was transferred to Qezel Hesar Prison for execution.
In a message to human rights organizations, he wrote:
“I have committed no crime; I only sought justice. The physical and psychological torture I have endured is just a fraction of the oppression the Iranian regime inflicts upon political prisoners. I demand my basic rights as a human being and a political prisoner. I plead with you to end this inhumane injustice and take action to save me and other political prisoners sentenced to death.”
His daughter, Maryam Hassani, posted on social media:
“My father’s retrial request has been rejected. His execution could be carried out at any moment. I urge all human rights organizations to intervene to save his life. He is facing death solely because of his beliefs.”
Letter from Saeed Masouri, Iran’s Longest-Serving Political Prisoner, to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk
Saeed Masouri, Iran’s longest-held political prisoner in Qezel Hesar Prison, wrote a letter to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and the ongoing UN Human Rights Council session:
“To Mr. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
As one of the longest-held political prisoners, I knock on every door to save the lives of men and women sentenced to death, especially Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani, who now have the noose around their necks. As the principal custodians of human dignity and human rights, you are expected to demand that members states condition their diplomatic relations on the cessation of these executions. This regime has placed the execution rope around the neck of all Iranian people because it sees its survival in executing each citizen. To maintain its power, it will inevitably pull the chair from under the people unless it fears international accountability.”
International Human Rights Organizations’ Response
Human rights organizations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have called for an immediate halt to these executions.
UN human rights experts have urged the Iranian government to stop the execution of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, stating that their trials were marred by torture and forced confessions.
In January 2025, Amnesty International issued an official statement demanding the immediate suspension of their executions, citing their exposure to torture, prolonged solitary confinement, and unfair trials.
On February 26, 2025, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, Dr. Mai Sato, posted in Farsi and English on the social media platform X:
“I call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to halt the execution of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani. These sentences were issued after trials tainted by torture and forced confessions.”
Will these please be heard? Will the international community allow this cycle of death and repression to continue? Or will the world remain a silent spectator to yet another crime? Every moment that passes could be the last for Behrouz and Mehdi. The time to act is now.
This report continues, and future issues will cover the conditions of other political prisoners on death row.
