According to reports received by Hana Human Rights Organization, at dawn on Wednesday, May 21, 2026, the death sentences of two political prisoners, identified as Ramin Zaleh and Karim Maroufpour, both from the city of Naqadeh, were secretly carried out in Naqadeh Central Prison without prior notice to their families or the opportunity for a final visit.
The two political prisoners had previously been sentenced to death by Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of Mahabad, presided over by Judge Seyami, on charges of “baghi” (armed rebellion against the state).
Simultaneously with the execution of the sentences, the Judiciary Media Center of the Islamic Republic also issued a statement confirming the executions and accusing the two citizens of “membership in separatist terrorist groups, armed uprising, and involvement in assassination attempts.”
Ramin Zaleh had been arrested on July 22, 2024, by agents of the Intelligence Department and transferred to Naqadeh Central Prison. After 507 days of detention and legal uncertainty, he was sentenced to death in a non-transparent judicial process without access to a lawyer of his own choosing. His death sentence was officially communicated to him on December 6, 2025.
Karim Maroufpour, 29 years old, had also been arrested on March 23, 2021, by security forces in the city of Sardasht. According to received information, he was subjected to severe beatings at the time of arrest and was held for a prolonged period in conditions amounting to enforced disappearance, without contact with his family. He too was eventually sentenced to death alongside Ramin Zaleh on charges of “baghi” following an unfair judicial process.
Hana Human Rights Organization emphasizes that carrying out executions without prior notification to families, depriving prisoners of the right to a final visit, denying effective access to legal counsel of their own choosing, and reports of enforced disappearance are all in violation of fair trial standards and the international obligations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The use of the death penalty in political cases—particularly where judicial proceedings are marked by ambiguity and allegations of serious rights violations—may constitute a violation of the right to life and other fundamental human rights.
Hana Human Rights Organization also strongly condemns the secret execution of these two political prisoners and expresses serious concern regarding the continuing trend of issuing and carrying out death sentences against political prisoners in Iran.