On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, the judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out the death sentence of Seyed Ali-Sina Mostafavi, a 38-year-old professional mountaineer and Himalayan climber from Bam, in Kerman. His execution comes amid a growing trend of death sentences being issued and carried out in political and security-related cases.
Mostafavi was arrested on 25 April 2026 and sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh (“enmity against God”) by Branch One of the Kerman Revolutionary Court, presided over by Hadi Aghaei. The sentence was upheld by Branch 41 of the Supreme Court on 28 September 2026.
The judiciary accused him of opening fire on and injuring several civilians. Its account of the allegations also included his participation in the December–January protests and his sending of images to media outlets outside Iran. The authorities cited the defendant’s alleged confessions as evidence supporting the conviction, while reports have emerged that he was beaten during his arrest and subjected to forced confessions. To date, it remains unclear whether, and under what safeguards, the allegations of torture were independently investigated.
The HANA Human Rights Organization stresses that confirmation of a death sentence by the Supreme Court cannot legitimise a judgment that deprives a person of their life unless the reliability of the evidence has been established, allegations of torture have been effectively investigated, and the right to an independent defence has been guaranteed.
Make the headline more preciseUse neutral language about dissent