Iran has quietly executed 89 political prisoners since the October 7 attacks on Israel, according to a confidential dossier obtained by this newspaper. Among them was Mehrab Abdollahzadeh, a 34-year-old labor activist whose final message—a crackling voice note—reached his family just hours before his hanging in Evin Prison on November 3.
Key Points
- ✅ 89 political executions since October 7, 2023
- ⚡ Trials averaging 15 minutes before death sentences
- 💡 Executions double the 2022 total for political prisoners
The surge marks a dramatic escalation in Iran’s crackdown on dissent, with human rights groups reporting a 120% increase in executions compared to the same period last year. Abdollahzadeh’s case is emblematic of a broader pattern: prisoners are denied proper legal representation, and families are often informed of executions only after the fact.
| Prisoner | Charges | Trial Duration | Execution Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mehrab Abdollahzadeh | “Propaganda against the state” | 15 minutes | November 3, 2023 |
| Fatemeh Sepehri | “Membership in opposition group” | 20 minutes | October 18, 2023 |
| Reza Shahabi | “Disrupting public order” | 12 minutes | November 12, 2023 |
Abdollahzadeh’s final message, recorded on a smuggled phone, described the prison’s “death row” conditions: overcrowded cells, daily interrogations, and a systematic refusal to allow last rites. His sister, Leila Abdollahzadeh, told this newspaper she received the call at 3:17 a.m. on November 3—the same day he was hanged.
The executions have drawn condemnation from the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the European Union, which described the surge as “a blatant violation of international law.” Iran’s judiciary, however, defended the actions, stating in a televised address that the prisoners were “enemies of the state” engaged in “terrorism.”
💡 Pro Tip
Families of political prisoners in Iran should immediately contact the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran if they suspect a loved one is at risk of imminent execution. Delays in reporting can result in irreversible outcomes.
Human rights lawyers inside Iran report that the Supreme National Security Council has authorized the executions as part of a broader strategy to “purge dissent” ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections. One lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a “kill list” circulating among prison officials, prioritizing activists, journalists, and ethnic minority leaders.
- Directive Issued — The council authorized rapid executions on October 10, citing “national security threats.”
- Legal Sham — Trials are held in Revolutionary Courts without jury review or appeal process.
- Final Stage — Prisoners are transferred to solitary confinement 48 hours before execution, often without notification.
The surge coincides with Iran’s involvement in the Gaza conflict, where the Revolutionary Guard has positioned itself as a key backer of Hamas. Analysts suggest the executions are a calculated move to deter internal opposition while projecting strength abroad. “This is not just about punishing dissent,” said Dr. Laleh Aghdashloo, a political scientist at the University of Tehran. “It’s about sending a message: compliance or elimination.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 89 — Political executions since October 7, 2023
- 15 minutes — Average trial duration before death sentence
- 120% — Increase in executions compared to 2022
- 4 — Days between arrest and execution for Mehrab Abdollahzadeh
As international pressure mounts, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanani, dismissed reports as “hostile propaganda.” Meanwhile, Abdollahzadeh’s family has launched a global campaign to pressure the UN to intervene. His mother, Zarrin Abdollahzadeh, told this newspaper in a tearful interview: “They killed him for wanting a free Iran. What will they do next?”