In the first weeks of Persian month of Ordibehesht (from 21 April 2025), the Islamic Republic of Iran initiated a new round of executions, triggering global outrage among human rights activists. According to reports received, at least 66 prisoners were put to death in various prisons across the country within just the first two weeks of the month—a staggering total equivalent to over four executions a day, or one every six hours.
9 Executions Within One Day: Qazvin, Zahedan, and Birjand Prisons
It was the 28th of April 2025 on Sunday that death sentences on at least nine prisoners were imposed in the Qazvin, Zahedan, and Birjand prisons.
Saber Elyasi, 33, a prisoner from Langarud, was hanged on a charge of narcotics trafficking at Qazvin Prison.
Nayeb Balouchi (Khan Mohammad Ozbakzehi), a father of multiple children and an inhabitant of Zahedan, was likewise put to death in Zahedan Prison on identical charges.
Seven inmates, four Baluch nationals, one Sunni prisoner, and two inmates from Zabol, were simultaneously executed in a mass execution in Birjand Prison.
These executions were carried out secretly, final visits to relatives, and judicial transparency. The majority of the arrested were denied due trial procedures and adequate legal defense.
Historic Speed in Carrying Out Death Sentences
In the lead-up days to this, the executions of at least four other prisoners were also reported in Ghezel Hesar, Khorramabad, and Tabriz prisons:
Saghar, a female prisoner at Qezel-Hesar, was executed for alleged murder after six years in prison.
Hossein Shiravand and Ahmad Derikvand were both executed in Khorramabad Prison, and Houshang Abbasi was executed by hanging in Tabriz, on various charges.
Media Blackout and Judicial Secrecy
So far, none of these murders have been reported in official or judiciary-biased news media. This coordinated cover-up has generated concerns over violation of prisoners’ rights, unjustified denial of trials, torture-facilitated coerced confessions, and increased pressure on ethnic and religious minorities.
