Iran has significantly increased its execution rate of political prisoners in 2026, a trend human rights advocates attribute to the ongoing conflict with the United States. At least 47 political prisoners have been executed so far this year, a sharp rise from the 16 recorded during the same period in the previous year, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group.
"With the breakdown of the ceasefire and the resumption of the war, we are deeply concerned that the authorities will exploit the situation to intensify the execution of political prisoners," IHR Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam stated. "Hundreds of political prisoners and protesters are currently facing capital charges, and we estimate that around 100 have already been sentenced to death."
The IHR accuses Tehran of using the war as justification to expedite judicial processes and increase executions of dissidents. Human rights groups have condemned the trials of political prisoners and protesters, alleging that confessions are often coerced under torture and that trials are unfair.
Among those at risk of execution are brothers Fazlollah, 51, and Hadi Nikbakht, 45. They were sentenced to death last month for charges described as "corruption on Earth." The brothers were reportedly political activists advocating for a national referendum to end the current regime. They were arrested last year, and their farmland was seized by authorities. Their other brother, Mohammad, 48, a Christian convert, was also arrested in March and has been threatened with the death penalty, according to IHR.
Their sister, Niki Nikbakht, expressed her fear that her brothers could be executed at any moment and that Hadi might never see his daughter, born after his arrest. "I keep thinking, what if it really happens? What if I never get to see my two brothers again?" she told CNN. "I keep asking myself: Why is this happening? Why should people face this for wanting freedom? It’s incredibly hard."
In addition to political prisoners, Iran has continued its crackdown on individuals who participated in the January protests against the regime. State media announced the hanging of Mohammad Amini Dehaghani, identified as the 21st protester executed since March 19. Dehaghani was accused of setting fire to a municipal office building, inciting an attack on a police station, and attempting to use a stolen rifle during a protest on January 9. He was sentenced to death on charges of "waging war against God" and "corruption on Earth."
Six political prisoners were executed earlier this year after reportedly displaying defiance while incarcerated. The IHR stated that of the more than 370 people executed by the state in the first half of the year, 47 were political prisoners.