Iran’s Escalating Political Executions 2026

Iran’s Escalating Political Executions: Opposition Members and Protesters Hanged as Death Penalty Used to Silence Dissent

At Least 27 Political Executions Documented Since February 2026 as Opposition Supporters and Protest-Related Defendants Face a Rapid Wave of Executions

Qezel Hesar Emerges as the Main Site of Political Executions While Security Charges Continue to Fuel Death Sentences

May 2026 — Iranian authorities have sharply intensified the use of the death penalty in cases linked to political affiliation, protests, and national security allegations. Since March 19, 2026, Iran Human Rights Monitor (Iran HRM) has documented at least 30 political executions, revealing an alarming pattern in which the death penalty appears increasingly deployed as a tool of repression against perceived dissent and opposition activity.

Reports collected from state media outlets and judicially affiliated sources indicate a concentrated campaign targeting individuals accused of political opposition, participation in protests, alleged affiliation with opposition groups, and broad national security offenses.

Among the documented cases, 8 individuals were identified as members or supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), while 22 executions involved protest-related or politically motivated cases. Five additional executions involving alleged espionage-related charges are documented separately for reference.

Most notably, Qezel Hesar Prison has emerged as the primary site for these executions, raising concerns regarding coordinated judicial and security practices.

Key Findings: A Growing Pattern of Political Executions

• At least 30 political executions documented since February 28, 2026
• 8 PMOI-related executions
• 22 protest-related or politically motivated executions
• 7 additional espionage-related executions documented separately
• Qezel Hesar Prison recorded the highest concentration of executions
• Multiple cases involved national security or political accusations
• Several executions were linked to protest-related allegations
• Documentation remains ongoing and the actual number may be significantly higher

These executions increasingly reflect a pattern in which capital punishment is used beyond criminal prosecution and appears aimed at suppressing dissent and instilling fear throughout society.

Growing concerns among human rights advocates stem from longstanding patterns involving allegations of forced confessions, lack of transparency, restrictions on legal defense, and politically driven judicial proceedings. Due to limited public information, internet restrictions, and reports of secrecy surrounding many cases, the true number of executions and individuals at risk may be considerably higher.

Political Prisoners Executed for PMOI Affiliation

Iran HRM documented eight executions involving individuals accused of affiliation with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Most of these executions were carried out in Qezel Hesar Prison.

The known cases include:

The concentration of these executions in Qezel Hesar Prison raises concerns regarding coordinated judicial practices and the treatment of prisoners accused of affiliation with opposition movements.

Protest-Related and Politically Motivated Cases

Iran HRM documented 22 executions involving protesters and individuals prosecuted in cases linked to political unrest or security allegations.

Many of these defendants reportedly faced broad charges commonly used in political cases, including “enmity against God,” national security offenses, or accusations linked to protest activities.

Espionage Cases

Additional Cases for Reference

The following executions involved allegations of espionage or intelligence-related offenses. Due to the distinct nature of these charges and limited publicly available information, these cases are listed separately and are not included in the primary documented count.

The True Numbers May Be Higher

Iran HRM believes the true number of politically motivated executions and individuals facing execution may be considerably higher than currently documented.

Internet disruptions, restricted access to legal representation, lack of judicial transparency, and reports of secret executions continue to obstruct independent documentation efforts. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that executions conducted under opaque judicial processes create significant barriers to determining the full scale of state repression.