Iran’s Escalating Executions of Dissidents and Activists

The Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified its execution of dissidents and activists. The actual number of victims remains obscured due to the regime’s internet censorship. Since the 2026 January uprisings, Tehran has implemented a severe crackdown on opponents.

The Iran Human Rights Society has recorded 784 executions in 2026. A representative mentioned that executions, especially of political prisoners, have surged to a level unprecedented in 37 years. This trend reportedly accelerated since March.

“These figures indicate a rapidly accelerating trend in executions since March,”

On May 13, 2025, a woman placed flowers for victims of executions in Iran during a rally in Paris, France. A State Department official expressed concern over the execution surge. The official condemned the use of executions as punishment for exercising basic human rights, including peaceful protests.

Iran has subjected its citizens to torture and sham trials for decades. Coerced confessions often serve as the sole evidence leading to executions. Between May 31 and June 1, Iran executed at least 18 prisoners, including some publicly and brutally.

The NCRI reported a total of 32 executions from March 19 to June 1 involving members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOE/MEK) and January protest participants. On June 7, the NCRI highlighted the imminent execution risk of five political prisoners in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz, due to their PMOI/MEK affiliation.

Maryam Rajavi, NCRI President-elect, called for urgent U.N. intervention to prevent these executions. On June 2, she urged U.N. Security Council and EU action following executions of January protesters. The Iran Human Rights Society echoed NCRI’s findings of recent executions and detailed their process of information verification despite internet restrictions.

Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks, noted that although internet connectivity in Iran has largely been restored, it remains limited compared to pre-protest conditions. Users face slow international access, throttling, and increased filtering of messaging apps.

The Iran Human Rights Society representative believes the actual execution count likely exceeds their documentation. This underreporting is due to secret executions and limited information from remote areas. Dr. Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur, did not respond to inquiries about Iran’s increased executions.

On June 20, up to 100,000 Iranian expatriates will rally in Paris to demand an end to the executions. Over 100 lawmakers, officials, and former heads of state are expected to attend the demonstration as reported by the NCRI.

Beth Bailey, who covers regions including the Middle East and the UN, wrote this report. She previously worked as an intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army. Follow her on X at @BWBailey85.