Iran executes 9 prisoners in Gorgan, Zanjan, Rasht, Sari, and Qazvin prisons in July 2025, raising human rights concerns. Learn more about these violations.
Iran Human Rights Society, Saturday, 28 Tir 1404 (July 19, 2025)– Iran’s execution rate alarms human rights advocates, with nine prisoners executed in Gorgan, Zanjan, Rasht, Sari, and Qazvin prisons in July 2025. The Iran Human Rights Society reports at least 65 executions this Persian month, averaging over two per day. This surge underscores ongoing concerns about Iran’s death penalty practices, which often violate international human rights standards. This article explores these executions, their charges, and their conflict with global human rights obligations.
Executions in Amirabad Prison, Gorgan
On July 19, 2025, authorities executed three prisoners in Amirabad Prison, Gorgan. Two of them, Alireza Eshtarak, married, and Mohammad Eshtarak, single, both from Qareh Tapeh village in Aq Qala, faced charges of rape and kidnapping. The third prisoner’s identity remains undisclosed. These cases highlight the lack of transparency in Iran’s judicial process, raising questions about fair trials.
Davoud Amani’s Execution in Zanjan Prison
At dawn on July 19, 2025, Davoud Amani faced execution in Zanjan Prison. Arrested for drug-related charges, he received a death sentence. Drug-related executions in Iran often draw criticism, as international human rights groups argue such offenses do not warrant capital punishment. This case exemplifies the broader issue of disproportionate sentencing.
Abbasali Jahangiri Executed in Sari Prison
On July 16, 2025, authorities executed Abbasali Jahangiri, a 40-year-old from Gorgan, in Sari Prison. Arrested five years ago for drug-related charges, his death penalty reflects Iran’s harsh anti-drug policies. These policies disproportionately affect marginalized groups, fueling global calls for reform.
Executions of Hadi Gerousi and Mehdi Babaei in Rasht’s Lakan Prison
On July 16, 2025, Lakan Prison in Rasht saw the executions of Mehdi Babaei, 31, and Hadi Gerousi, 28. Both faced murder charges from a joint case five years prior, leading to their death sentences. The rapid execution of murder-related cases often lacks adequate appeal processes, violating fair trial standards.
Molana Abdulazizkhani and Vahab Heidari Executed in Qazvin Prison
On July 16, 2025, Qazvin Prison authorities executed Molana Abdulazizkhani, a 31-year-old Afghan national, and Vahab Heidari, a 29-year-old from Khorramabad. Abdulazizkhani, arrested two years ago for drug-related charges, worked at a fruit market before his arrest. Heidari, arrested three years ago, also faced drug charges. These executions highlight the targeting of ethnic minorities and non-violent offenders.
Death Penalty Violates Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specifically Article 3, guarantees everyone the right to life. Iran’s use of the death penalty contradicts this principle. Executions are irreversible, risking uncorrectable judicial errors. Moreover, certain execution methods may constitute torture or inhuman treatment, further violating human rights standards. These practices clash with the inalienable right to life.
Iran’s Breach of International Human Rights Obligations
As a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Iran must ensure fair trials and limit the death penalty to the most serious crimes. However, lack of transparency, restricted legal rights, and rulings by courts lacking independence undermine these obligations. The executions in Gorgan, Zanjan, Rasht, Sari, and Qazvin prisons reflect systemic issues in Iran’s judicial system.
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