Iran’s regime has launched a horrifying wave of executions, killing 22 prisoners in just three days, as it uses ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States to mask a surge in repression at home.
Between April 21 and 24, authorities executed nearly two dozen people, with additional executions carried out the following week, according to opposition figures and human rights campaigners. The spike comes amid renewed international focus on Iran’s nuclear program—an opportunity, critics say, that Tehran is exploiting to deflect attention from internal abuses.
At the heart of the outcry are prisoners like Mehdi Hassani, 48, and Behrouz Ehsani, 69, who now face imminent execution after their appeals were denied. Advocates argue both were sentenced on politically motivated charges after enduring brutal prison conditions, including torture.
Hassani’s daughter, Maryam, issued an emotional plea for help from the international community after learning her father’s appeal was rejected. “My family is living in constant fear,” she said. “He has done nothing wrong—he only spoke out for freedom and justice. We are scared, exhausted, and deeply hurt.”
In a desperate message to world leaders and human rights organizations, Maryam urged: “Please do not stay silent. Political prisoners are not criminals. The death penalty is cruel and inhuman. We need real action—not just words—to save lives.”
According to the (NCRI), nearly 1,100 executions have been recorded since President Masoud Pezeshkian took office in July 2024—representing more than a 20% increase from the previous year. The NCRI accuses Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei of orchestrating the clampdown to crush dissent and prevent a possible uprising.
“Although Pezeshkian is described as a ‘moderate’, the execution rate has surged during his presidency,” said Hossein Abedini, deputy director of the NCRI’s UK office. “These include disturbing increases in the execution of women and people convicted for alleged offenses committed as minors.”
Many of those executed or facing death are political prisoners, arrested during or after the 2022 protests that rocked the country. The NCRI and other opposition groups say the executions are part of a broader campaign of intimidation to stamp out further resistance.
Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the NCRI, condemned the regime’s actions, calling the spike in executions “a brutal attempt to prevent regime overthrow.” She warned that the regime is using the nuclear talks as a strategic distraction while stepping up domestic repression.
The regime’s strategy appears to draw from past playbooks: intensify internal crackdowns while diverting global scrutiny with geopolitical negotiations. As global attention focuses on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, activists warn that silence on human rights will cost lives.
With the clock ticking, Maryam Hassani continues her call to the world: “Silence allows injustice to thrive. Your action can save lives—my father’s and many others. Please act now.”
Listen to a plea from the daughter of prisoner Mehdi Hassani
