The execution of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani relates to the death sentences of two political prisoners in Iran. [1] [2]
On 26 January, they were moved from Tehran’s Evin prison to Ghezel Hesar prison. [3] Allegations of torture and the use of coerced confessions marked their trial, which was considered "grossly unfair". [4] [5] [6] Both individuals faced charges for politically motivated crimes, including "rebellion (baghi)," "waging war against God (moharebeh)," and "spreading corruption on Earth". [7] [8] [9]
In 16 January 2025, [10] [11] they were sentenced to death by Judge Iman Afshari, head of Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. [12] According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the sentences were officially conveyed to the lawyers of the individuals involved. [13]
In an effort to prevent the executions, 166 experts appealed to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, requesting action from the UN. [14] [15] The New York City Bar Association also condemned the death sentences. [16]
Maryam Hassani (daughter of Mehdi Hassani) confirmed that they were executed on 27 July 2025, withount being granted a last visit from their familes. [17] [18]