Iran Executes Political Prisoner Mehran Bahramian Amid Rising Protests

Isfahan, Iran – September 2025. In the early morning of 6 September 2025, Iranian authorities executed Mehran Bahramian, a 32-year-old political prisoner arrested in the aftermath of the 2022 nationwide protests. His execution took place at Dastgerd (Isfahan Central) Prison, also known as Isfahan Central Prison. Execution of Political Prisoner Mehran Bahramian in Iran

What Happened to Mehran Bahramian

According to the judiciary’s Mizan News Agency, Bahramian was convicted of opening fire on a security forces vehicle during unrest in December 2022 in Semirom, Isfahan province, resulting in the death of Basij member Mohsen Rezaei and injuries to others. The Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence later.

Legal Irregularities and Human Rights Concerns over the execution of Mehran Bahramian

Human rights organizations — including Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), Amnesty International, and the No to Execution Tuesdays campaign — have sharply criticized the execution. They highlighted serious violations, including forced confessions obtained under torture, closed-door trials, and lack of fair legal process https://iran-hrm.com/2025/09/07/execution-of-political-prisoner-mehran-bahramian-in-isfahans-dastgerd-prison/

IHRNGO specifically denounced the execution as an extrajudicial killing, noting that Bahramian’s death sentence was based on confessions extracted under coercion and lacked due process. The group called on the international community to hold Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other officials accountable. https://en.iranhrs.org/execution-of-political-prisoner-mehran-bahramian-in-dastgerd-prison-isfahan/

A Family Legacy of Tragedy

Mehran Bahramian belonged to a family deeply impacted by the protest crackdown. His brother Morad Bahramian was killed by security forces on 16 November 2022, during the protests.

At 40-day memorial ceremony in January 2023 for Morad and other protesters turned into a mass demonstration, during which Mohsen Rezaei — the same Basij member whose death led to Mehran’s sentencing — was killed, triggering a wave of arrests Iran HRSHengaw.

In January 2023, both Mehran and his brother Fazel Bahramian were arrested. During interrogation in Dolatabad detention center, Mehran suffered broken ribs and a ruptured eardrum, while Fazel endured severe head and facial injuries. Both were sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court on charges including moharebeh (“enmity against God”) and actions against national security. Their appeals were rejected and the verdict final under Supreme Court review.

Continuing Threat to Fazel and Others

Fazel Bahramian remains on death row, and his execution is considered imminent. Another brother, Younes Bahramian, along with associate Dariush Saeedi, received 16-year prison sentences.

Wider Context: Execution Surge

Bahramian’s execution is one among a disturbing surge of political executions in Iran. It marks at least the 12th known execution tied to the 2022 protests since Mahsa Amini’s death in custody, with at least ten to twelve individuals hanged under similar circumstances.

According to United Nations data, nearly 1,000 executions were carried out in Iran during 2024, making it one of the highest execution rates globally, Rights groups warn that many of these executions are politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent.

Call to Action

The No to Execution Tuesdays campaign — currently in its 85th week — along with international rights advocates, have called for urgent action. They urge the international community to refer Iran’s human rights situation to the UN Security Council, press for independent investigations, and hold those responsible, including judges and authorities, accountable for crimes against humanity . Iran Protests Erupt Over Executions and Collapsing Services as Regime Vows More Bloodshed – NCRI

The Bahramian family’s ordeal demonstrates blatant violations of international law, including Right to Life, right to access the medical treatment, Freedom from Torture, right to a Fair Trial, Freedoms of Expression and Assembly.

Since August 23, at least 92 prisoners, including four women, have been executed. In just the past week alone, 46 people were put to death. The Association to Defend Freedom & Human Rights in Iran- Australia has called on Australian government to act accordingly and condemn Iranian regime’s atrocities.