Iran Intensifies Executions as War Escalates — Academic Vahid Baniamerian Among Those Hanged

Vahid Baniamerian's family only learned he faced execution when alerts from Iranian state media appeared on their phones announcing the supreme court would review his death sentence. "They did not give any warning. Even the lawyer didn't know," a close relative living abroad told AFP on condition of anonymity. "It was completely illegal, even based on their own oppressive laws."

Executions Continue Amid Escalating Conflict

Baniamerian, a 34-year-old physics lecturer, was sentenced to death alongside five other defendants on charges of membership of the banned People's Mujahedin (MEK) organisation. All six men have since been executed by hanging, rights groups say.

Human rights organisations report that dozens of political prisoners — including protesters, alleged members of outlawed groups and people accused of spying — have been put to death since the outbreak of the war involving the United States and Israel. Activists say many of these convictions followed fast-tracked trials and allegations of torture and forced confessions.

Context and concerns: The Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO warns that "hundreds of political prisoners and protesters are currently facing capital charges," with roughly 100 already sentenced to death. IHR says more than 70 people are reportedly awaiting execution in a single facility, Dastgerd prison in Isfahan. According to IHR data, over 400 executions have been recorded so far this year, while Amnesty International reported more than 2,150 executions last year.

"With the breakdown of the ceasefire and the resumption of the war, we are deeply concerned that the authorities will exploit the situation to intensify the execution of political prisoners," said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, Director of Iran Human Rights.

Authorities assert that some people were convicted for carrying out deadly attacks on security forces or targeting public buildings. Rights monitors counter that many trials were rapid, lacked due process and were tainted by allegations of torture.

Prison Protests and Public Outcry

Prisoners at Ghezel Hesar prison in Karaj staged a sit-in from July 13 to protest the rising number of executions after fellow inmates were moved to solitary confinement ahead of hangings on drug-related charges. Video and statements circulated by rights groups showed inmates chanting "no to execution," and describing many detainees as people who committed minor offenses while struggling to afford basics.

Family members and supporters describe Baniamerian as "a kind and humble person" who tried to raise the spirits of fellow inmates. In his final days he smuggled out an audio message to his mother and was seen in a video singing in the prison yard. "The day they took them to solitary, Vahid told them 'do not cry in front of the enemy. We are proud of what we are doing,'" his relative said. "They did not bow."

Calls for international action: IHR and other organisations have urged the international community — including the European Union — to make an immediate moratorium on executions a central demand in any diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Rights groups say raising the issue is essential to protect those facing capital punishment and to press for fair trials and humane treatment.

Reporting aggregated from rights organisations and AFP. Some developments, including leadership changes reported in Iran amid the conflict, have been described in sources as "reported" and remain subject to independent verification.