Story perspectives

Iran Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Kurdish Prisoner

4/29/2026

Summary

Supreme Court Upholds

Iran's Supreme Court upheld a death sentence for Kurdish prisoner Naser Bakrzadeh on April 25, 2026.
The ruling increased his risk of execution.
He was summoned to Urmia Central Prison’s enforcement office that day, where officials threatened and beat him after he protested.
Earlier death sentences in November 2024 and September 2025 were overturned, which observers say shows procedural flaws, while he remains detained without lawyer, family visits and has been tortured.

Summary

Bakrzadeh's Parents Plead

The Iranian Human Rights Organization posted on X April 27 a video of Bakrzadeh’s parents pleading.
His father said the 26-year-old is innocent and the death sentence was upheld because of recent war.
Human Rights Watch cited Bakrzadeh and four other Kurdish citizens in a November 2024 statement accusing them of spying for Israel.
Rights groups say Iran’s accelerated executions, part of a nationwide crackdown, use the death penalty to create fear.

Summary

Amer Ramesh Executed

Amer Ramesh, 19, was executed on April 26, 2026 in an Iranian prison.
Iranian officials charged him with “Baghy” (armed rebellion) and alleged ties to Jaish al-Adl.
He was arrested on October 2, 2024 during a raid on a herbal shop in Pir Sohrab district.
No public information on his trial, evidence, or access to independent counsel has emerged.
Hana reported that 137 Baluch prisoners were executed in 2025 and urged UN rapporteurs to intervene.

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Supreme Court Upholds

Iran's Supreme Court upheld a death sentence for Kurdish prisoner Naser Bakrzadeh on April 25, 2026.
The ruling increased his risk of execution.
He was summoned to Urmia Central Prison’s enforcement office that day, where officials threatened and beat him after he protested.
Earlier death sentences in November 2024 and September 2025 were overturned, which observers say shows procedural flaws, while he remains detained without lawyer, family visits and has been tortured.

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