'This may be the last time you hear my voice': Political executions surge in Iran since start of war
Since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February, the UN says it’s verified the execution of at least 32 political prisoners.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"You are hearing my voice from Oromiyeh Central Prison, and this may be the last time you hear it."
— Mehrab Abdollahzadeh , Activist
"They weaponise the death penalty as a tool of political repression, to instil fear among the population, and essentially crush and stifle any dissent that there might be."
— Nassim Papayianni , Activist
"At a time when it is confronting multiple internal and external crises, it is attempting, through intensified repression and an increase in executions, to stage a display of power and project the message: 'I am still here, and I still control the situation.'"
— Kaveh Kermanshahi , Activist
"dismissing international criticism of death sentences linked to January's uprising."
— Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei , Politician
"I am shocked and alarmed."
— Volker Türk , Activist
"The Iranian authorities continue to severely restrict people's rights."
— Volker Türk , Activist
Key People
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
He is the Judiciary Chief of Iran.
Kaveh Kermanshahi is a member of the Kurdistan Human Rights Network and comments on Iranian political repression.
A young woman who died in custody after being accused of not wearing the compulsory hijab properly, sparking widespread protests in Iran.
Mehrab Abdollahzadeh is a death row prisoner in Iran who was arrested during protests following Mahsa Amini's death.
Nassim Papayianni is associated with Amnesty International and speaks on human rights issues in Iran.
Volker Türk is the UN human rights chief.
Tags
All Coverage
Since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February, the UN says it’s verified the execution of at least 32 political prisoners.
Iranian authorities have reported executing 30 individuals on political grounds since the onset of the conflict with the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026. Among those executed was Mohammad Abbasi, sentenced to death after participating in mass protests in January 2026.
The UN Human Rights Office has reported that Iran executed at least 21 individuals and detained over 4,000 since the beginning of the conflict with the U.S. and Israel on February 28, 2026. The executions include nine linked to January protests and ten for alleged membership in opposition groups.
In 2025, Iran executed 2,159 people, accounting for 80% of global executions, marking a record high. This surge is linked to intensified repression following U.S. and Israeli attacks in June 2025. Many executions were carried out without minimum legal guarantees, often for drug-related offenses affecting impoverished ethnic minorities.
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