NCRI condemns executions of PMOI members and warns of escalating repression as opposition urges urgent global response
The execution of two political prisoners in Iran has once again drawn international attention to the regime’s use of capital punishment as a tool of repression, particularly against members of the opposition.
According to a statement issued by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) on March 30, 2026, Iranian authorities executed Akbar (Shahrokh) Daneshvarkar and Mohammad Taghavi at Ghezel Hesar Prison in the early hours of Monday. Both men were identified as members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), a group long targeted by the ruling establishment.
Mohammad Taghavi and Akbar Daneshvarkar, members of the PMOI/MEK, were executed this morning by the executioners of Iran’s religious dictatorship. We salute the two heroes for their unwavering resilience—having endured prolonged torture and pressure, they remained faithful to… pic.twitter.com/ctsLIk1mAs
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 30, 2026
The executions mark the latest in a series of punitive measures against political detainees, as concerns grow over the fate of other prisoners reportedly awaiting similar sentences.
A History of Arrests and Repression
Mohammad Taghavi, 59, had a long history of imprisonment linked to his political affiliations. His persecution reportedly dates back decades, with earlier detentions in the 1980s and 1990s. More recently, he was arrested in 2020 on charges related to alleged ties with the PMOI and served three years in prison before being released. He was re-arrested in March 2024.
Akbar Daneshvarkar, 58, a civil engineer by profession, was detained in January 2024. Both men were later transferred to Evin Prison, where they were reportedly held in Ward 209, a facility widely associated with the Ministry of Intelligence.
According to the NCRI, the two prisoners were subjected to severe physical and psychological pressure during their detention.
Controversial Trial and Death Sentences
In December 2024, Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced both men to death. The proceedings were overseen by Judge Iman Afshari, a figure frequently criticized by human rights organizations for his role in politically sensitive cases.
The charges against the two men included “baghi” (armed rebellion), a broad accusation often used against individuals accused of affiliation with opposition groups. The death sentences were later upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, clearing the way for their execution.
Critics argue that such trials fall far short of international legal standards, citing lack of due process, restricted access to legal counsel, and reliance on coerced confessions.
NCRI Reaction and Political Implications
Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, strongly condemned the executions, portraying them as part of a broader strategy by the Iranian authorities to suppress dissent amid mounting internal pressures.
In her remarks, she suggested that the use of capital punishment reflects the regime’s concern over potential unrest and its attempt to deter further opposition activity. She also framed the executions as counterproductive, arguing that such measures are more likely to deepen public anger rather than contain it.
Rajavi paid tribute to the two executed prisoners, emphasizing their persistence in maintaining their political stance despite reported torture, threats, and prolonged detention.
She further argued that the Iranian government is seeking to leverage ongoing regional tensions to deflect attention from its internal crises, while continuing to intensify domestic repression.
Calls for International Action
The NCRI statement calls on the United Nations and its member states to move beyond rhetorical condemnation and adopt concrete measures in response to the executions.
According to the statement, a significant number of political prisoners—particularly those associated with the PMOI—remain on death row, raising concerns about the possibility of further executions in the near future.
Rajavi urged the international community to take immediate steps to prevent additional loss of life, warning that continued inaction risks emboldening Iranian authorities to escalate their use of capital punishment.
Broader Context
The executions come at a time of heightened tension inside Iran, where authorities have faced recurring waves of protest in recent years. Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned that the death penalty is being used not only as a judicial measure but also as a political instrument aimed at silencing dissent.
As international scrutiny intensifies, the case underscores the ongoing debate over how the global community should respond to Iran’s human rights record—particularly in situations involving political prisoners and capital punishment.
Whether these latest executions will trigger a more decisive international response remains to be seen. However, they have once again highlighted the urgency of the issue and the high stakes for those still facing similar sentences.
