Full Breakdown
Recent Executions in Iran Highlight Ongoing Human Rights Concerns
11/8/2025, 4:13:35 AM
Overview of Executions
In early November 2025, Iranian authorities executed multiple prisoners across various provinces, raising significant human rights concerns. The executions included Ali Karimi, who was put to death for premeditated murder in Kermanshah, and Shamseddin Abbasi Kay, executed for drug-related offenses in Orumiyeh. Karimi, aged 42, had been imprisoned for over five years following a fatal stabbing incident in 2020, while Abbasi Kay, 51, was executed shortly after being transferred to solitary confinement.
Details of Executions
On November 5, 2025, four additional prisoners were executed in Shiraz, Qazvin, Borujerd, and Tabriz. Faiz Abusheh, 43, was executed in Shiraz for drug-related charges; Farzad Kamangar and Arman Solgi were executed in Qazvin and Borujerd, respectively, for drug-related and premeditated murder charges; and Saeed Moghanlou was executed in Tabriz for murder. These executions were not reported by state media, indicating a lack of transparency in the Iranian judicial process.
Additionally, a man identified only as Majid Sh. was hanged in Mashhad on November 4, 2025, for murder. His case exemplifies the Iranian legal system's reliance on qisas (retribution-in-kind) laws, which often lead to executions based on family decisions regarding retribution or blood money.
Broader Context of Executions
The frequency of executions in Iran has been alarming. According to the Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO), at least 419 individuals were executed for murder in 2024, marking the highest number of qisas executions since 2010. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, at least 457 executions for murder charges were recorded. The lack of official reporting on these cases raises concerns about the transparency and fairness of the judicial process in Iran.
Criticism of the Judicial System
Human rights organizations have criticized Iran's judicial practices, particularly regarding the treatment of women and marginalized groups. In October 2025, at least eight women were executed, with six convicted of premeditated murder and two for drug-related offenses. The systemic repression of women in Iran has been highlighted, with reports of femicide and gender-based violence being prevalent. In October, nine cases of femicide were documented, primarily committed by close relatives, underscoring the deeply entrenched patriarchal structures in Iranian society.
Official Statements & Responses
Human rights advocates have called for international attention to Iran's execution practices and the broader implications of its judicial system. Organizations like Hengaw have classified Iran as a gender apartheid state, urging the global community to recognize and act against the institutionalized discrimination and violence faced by women.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The executions of these prisoners have not been reported by Iranian state media or judiciary-affiliated outlets.” — Hengaw Organization for Human Rights
- “Misogynistic laws and state ideologies have normalized violence and hatred against women, embedding discrimination into the legal system itself.” — Hengaw Organization for Human Rights
Conclusion
The recent wave of executions in Iran, particularly those involving women and marginalized individuals, highlights ongoing human rights violations and the need for greater scrutiny and accountability from the international community. As the Iranian government continues to enforce harsh penalties, the call for reform and protection of human rights remains critical.
