On the morning of Monday, June 16, 2025, the death sentence of Esmail Fekri, accused of “espionage for Mossad,” was carried out at Qezel-Hesar Prison in Karaj, Iran. According to state-affiliated Iranian media, Fekri had previously been arrested on charges of “transmitting classified information to Israel” and was later sentenced to death following judicial proceedings.
This is the second execution related to the same case in recent months. Mohsen Langar-Neshin, another defendant in the case, was also executed at the same prison on April 30, 2025. Both individuals had been transferred from Ward 4 of Evin Prison to Qezel-Hesar prior to the implementation of their sentences.
Charges Without Transparency or Independent Oversight
According to official reports published by Mizan News Agency (affiliated with the judiciary), Fekri’s charges included “contact with the Israeli intelligence service (Mossad),” “collecting sensitive information,” and “sending classified data abroad.” These sources claim that Fekri had been in contact with Mossad officers since early 2022 and had transmitted sensitive information about Iran’s military and security locations.
However, no independent or international body has verified these claims. Details about how evidence was gathered, how interrogations were conducted, or the transparency of the judicial process remain undisclosed to the public.
Concerns About Hasty and Secretive Executions
Human rights activists have expressed deep concern about the judicial proceedings and the sudden implementation of the death sentence without prior notice to Fekri’s family or legal representatives. Executions in so-called “security cases” in Iran are often carried out behind closed doors, with no access to independent legal counsel, and in the absence of guarantees for a fair trial. These practices raise serious questions about the credibility and fairness of such judicial rulings.
Lack of Transparency and International Oversight
Given that official state and security-affiliated media are the sole sources of information in such cases, the absence of independent reporting, international monitoring, or human rights observers adds to the growing concerns. In such conditions, the risk of misusing national security charges to eliminate dissent or suppress political opposition increases significantly.
