The Association to Defend Freedom and Human Rights in Iran–Australia (ADFHRIA), together with other human rights organisations, has strongly condemned the death of prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Mr Khosro Alikurdi, who was found dead in his office in Mashhad on 8 December 2025, under circumstances that raise serious concerns about state repression and impunity in Iran. http://Dozens Detained Following Seventh-Day Memorial of Khosrow Alikordi in Mashhad; Some Released on Bail – Hrana
ADFHRIA and its partner organisations have called on the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, and the wider international community to take urgent action. These actions include seeking access to Iranian prisons, conducting an independent and impartial investigation into Mr Alikurdi’s death, and intervening immediately to halt the imminent execution of Mr Mohammad Javad Vafei Sani and other political prisoners.
Arbitrary detention, harassment, and imprisonment
Mr Alikurdi was a well-known and courageous lawyer who was himself subjected to arbitrary detention, harassment, and imprisonment by Iranian authorities due to his professional activities. He was repeatedly targeted for defending political prisoners and victims of state repression, including through pressure exerted by security agencies such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Intelligence.
Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani
Despite persistent threats, Mr Alikurdi continued his legal advocacy and served as defence lawyer for Mr Vafei Sani, who remains at serious risk of execution following an unfair trial on charges related to alleged support for the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI). His case is emblematic of systemic violations, including coerced confessions, denial of due process, and prolonged arbitrary detention, in breach of Iran’s international obligations.
One day before his death, Mr Alikurdi publicly shared a photograph of himself with Mr Vafei Sani and wrote: “I was imprisoned with Mohammad-Javad. He is a very honourable and courageous young man.” This statement highlighted both the close connection between their cases and the grave personal risks Mr Alikurdi faced as a result of his human rights work. http://Immediate Risk to the Life of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani – Iran HRM
On 12 December, during Mr Alikurdi’s funeral ceremony in Mashhad, which was attended by prominent civil and human rights activists, including Ms Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, security forces violently disrupted the gathering. More than 40 mourners were arbitrarily detained by agents believed to be affiliated with the IRGC and the Ministry of Intelligence. Many of those detained were reportedly denied access to legal counsel and held without formal charges. http://Narges Mohammadi – Facts – 2023 – NobelPrize.org
The family of Mr Khosro Alikurdi has stated that they do not believe he died of natural causes and has called for a transparent, independent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. To date, no credible investigation has been conducted, reinforcing concerns about institutional impunity in Iran.
ADFHRIA and other human rights organisations warn that the death of Mr Alikurdi, the arbitrary detention of mourners, the systematic targeting of lawyers and human rights defenders, and the imminent execution of political prisoners together demonstrate a pattern of severe and escalating repression.
They urge immediate international intervention, including independent forensic review, prison monitoring, accountability mechanisms, and decisive action to prevent further executions and loss of life. IRAN- UN General Assembly Passed a Resolution Condemning Human Rights Violations in Iran – Iran Liberty
ADFHRIA calls on Dr Ganna Yudkivska, Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and Dr Mai Sato, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, to make another representation to the Iranian authorities concerning arbitrary detentions, the death of Mr Khosro Alikurdi, and the imminent executions of political prisoners.
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