In 2023, the Iranian regime continued its brutal campaign of torture, executions, and killings in an attempt to suppress any potential uprising by the people. Despite this, the regime’s repression has only intensified, leading to an increase in executions, arbitrary arrests, and deaths in detention centers.
Executions
In 2023, the number of executions carried out by the Iranian regime reached 864, a significant increase from the 646 executions in 2022. Of these executions, 801 were men, 26 were women, and eight were juvenile offenders. Additionally, 22 political prisoners were executed, compared to 14 in 2022.
Notable Cases of Political Prisoners Executed in 2023
Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini and Mohammad Mehdi Karami: These two detainees of the 2022 national uprising were executed on January 7, 2023, on charges of corruption on Earth. They were accused of murdering a Basij member named Ruhollah Ajamian and were subjected to torture and forced confessions.
Hassan Abiyat: Hassan was executed on February 20, 2023, on charges of moharebeh (enmity against God). He was arrested in 2012 for alleged membership in opposition groups.
Sarkot Ahmadi (Arash): Sarkot was executed on February 22, 2023, on charges of murder. He was a former member of the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan and was arrested in 2021 while attempting to travel to Europe.
Mohiuddin Ebrahimi Gardkashan: Mohiuddin was secretly executed on March 17, 2023, in Urmia Central Prison. His death sentence was carried out despite assurances from the governor and mayor of Oshnavieh that his sentence had been suspended.
Farajollah (Habib) Chaab (Assiod): Farajollah, a Swedish citizen, was executed on May 6, 2023, on charges of corruption on Earth. He was kidnapped by the regime’s intelligence agencies and transferred to Iran three years prior.
Sadrollah Fazli Zareh and Yusef Khoob Imche (Mehrad): These two individuals were executed on May 18, 2023, on charges of insulting the Prophet.
Majid Kazemi Sheikh Shabani, Saeed Yaqoubi Kord Sefli, and Saleh Mirhashemi Baltaghi: These three men were executed on May 19, 2023, on charges of moharebeh in connection with the “Isfahan House” case.
Hayman Mostafaei: Hayman was executed on June 21, 2023, on charges of killing a Revolutionary Guards member.
Qasem Abeste: Qasem was executed on November 5, 2023, on charges of moharebeh after 14 years of imprisonment.
Meisham Chandani (Deghani): Meisham was executed on November 11, 2023, on charges of murder after 12 years of imprisonment.
Mohammad Karim Barkazaei Exon, Mohammad Brahoui Anjomani, and Edris Bilrani: These three individuals were executed on November 13, 2023, on charges of corruption on Earth through cooperation with armed groups opposing the regime.
Milad Zohrevand: Milad, a detainee of the 2022 national uprising, was executed on November 23, 2023, on charges of murdering a regime officer.
Ali Saberi: Ali was executed on November 25, 2023, on charges of supporting the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
Hani Shahbazi (Albushahbazi): Hani was executed on November 28, 2023, on charges of moharebeh for killing a police officer and a Basij member.
Ayoub Karimi: Ayoub was executed on November 29, 2023, on charges of moharebeh after 14 years of imprisonment.
Kamran Rezaei: Kamran, a detainee of the November 2019 uprising, was executed on November 30, 2023, on charges of murdering a Basij member.
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Arrests
In 2023, the Iranian regime also intensified its crackdown on dissent by arresting at least 5,863 individuals. The most arrests were made in September with 2,550 cases, while the least arrests were made in May with 138 cases. Political arrests accounted for the majority, with 4,976 individuals detained. Additionally, 780 people were subjected to arbitrary arrests, and 107 followers of other religions were also arrested.
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Arbitrary Murders
The Iranian regime’s repression also resulted in numerous deaths in detention centers due to torture and ill-treatment. In 2023, there were 25 cargo porters, 39 fuel porters, and 195 civilians killed. Additionally, 13 prisoners died under torture.
The Iranian regime’s relentless campaign of repression has resulted in a significant increase in executions, arbitrary arrests, and deaths in detention centers. The regime’s actions are a clear violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the international community must take action to hold the regime accountable for its crimes against its own people.
