Who Does the Islamic Republic of Iran Execute?
Reports confirm the execution of Majid Adineh, a protester detained during the nationwide demonstrations of January 2026 in Mohammadshahr, Karaj. He was executed on August 23, 2026 -under charges of “operational actions benefiting the Zionist regime, the United States, and hostile groups” pursuant to Article 1 of the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile States Against National Security and Interests.
But Who Was Majid Adineh?
According to a source close to Majid Adineh, he was a long-time benefactor and advocate for underprivileged children and families. His case file was fraught with evidentiary ambiguities; he was subjected to torture, and his family was informed of his execution only hours prior to it.
In a written testimony regarding Majid Adineh, the acquaintance states (paraphrased):
- Two Decades of Philanthropy for Vulnerable Children and Families:
Majid devoted 20 years of his life to supporting orphans, children from dysfunctional households, impoverished families, and the unhoused. He initially founded the “Fadak” Institution in the Sarasiab region of Fardis, followed by the “Abshar-e Sabz-e Atefeha” (Green Waterfall of Affection) Charity in Mohammadshahr using his personal funds. Supported by several donors, these organizations provided approximately 50 families with food, school supplies, and essential necessities. Furthermore, Majid organized and funded wedding ceremonies on two separate occasions for a total of 10 couples with disabilities and Down syndrome, aiming to foster social inclusion and assist low-income couples in starting their shared lives.
- Educational, Artistic, and Athletic Classes for Children:
Within his supported institutions, Majid organized various extracurricular classes for children, including foreign languages, academic tutoring, sports, swimming, computer literacy, painting, theater, Shahnameh recitation, guitar, santour, and daf. Additionally, through coordination with a benefactor in the United States, enrolled children who secured admission into medical and allied health programs were granted full academic financial support to pursue higher education.
This is the true picture of Majid Adineh—a philanthropist executed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Arbitrary Arrest, Threats Against Family, and Torture in Custody
Majid participated in popular protests on January 9, 2026, and was arrested on January 10. Security agents confiscated an electric saw—stored in his charity’s warehouse for gardening purposes—alongside a firearm owned by him as case evidence, despite the firearm never being discharged or used. His family stressed that Majid lacked a vehicle on January 9, making it physically impossible for him to transport heavy tools such as a chainsaw to protest sites.
Following his arrest, Majid’s family faced continuous harassment and threats from security forces, severely limiting the public dissemination of information regarding his status. While in detention, Majid was subjected to severe physical torture, resulting in severe injuries to his shoulder.
Gross Violations of Human Rights and Domestic Laws
Although Majid Adineh had legal counsel, his family was notified of the final decision to execute him only on the morning of the execution. This last-minute notification severely constrained the ability of his family and defense attorney to pursue urgent legal remedies or file stays of execution.
The issuance and implementation of the death sentence against Majid Adineh represent a blatant violation of both Iranian domestic statutes and Iran’s international legal obligations:
- From a Domestic Legal Standpoint:
From the perspective of domestic law, the allegations of torture, the ambiguities surrounding the evidence in the case, and the concerns regarding the full observance of the right to defense are relevant to Articles 37 (presumption of innocence), 38 (prohibition of torture), and 39 (prohibition of degrading the dignity of detainees and prisoners) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- From an International Law Standpoint:
Executing an individual following judicial proceedings marred by credible allegations of torture, forced confessions, and severe restrictions on effective legal counsel directly violates Articles 6 (Right to Life), 7 (Prohibition of Torture and Inhumane Treatment), 9 (Prohibition of Arbitrary Detention), and 14 (Right to a Fair Trial) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Iran is a State Party.
Conclusion
The execution of Majid Adineh under security charges occurred amid grave concerns regarding judicial integrity, manufactured evidence, torture-tainted proceedings, suppression of family notification, and the complete denial of due process. His case serves as a stark illustration of broader international concerns regarding the state-sponsored use of the death penalty against protesters and defendants in security-related cases in Iran.
Consequently, we call upon the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and international human rights mechanisms to initiate an independent investigation into the case of Majid Adineh and demand full accountability regarding his detention, trial, and execution.
We further urge foreign governments and international bodies to prioritize the right to life, an immediate halt to protest-related executions, adherence to fair trial standards, and structural accountability for human rights violations in all diplomatic and political engagements with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The meticulous documentation and international prosecution of such cases remain critical steps toward preventing future violations, protecting the right to life, and upholding international justice.
