HRANA – Amid nationwide protests in Iran, along with widespread internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on the flow of information, at least 12 prisoners were executed today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in multiple prisons. These prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug-related crimes and murder.
Based on information received by HRANA, Musa Sadri was executed in Shiraz Prison and Kiarash Dinari in Malayer Prison on charges related to drug offenses.
Also, Vali Karam Souri in Khorramabad Prison, Avat Amiri in Mahabad Prison, Sultan Morad Sharafinia in Sabzevar Prison, Siavash Arabi in Kashmar Prison, Nabiollah Kaabi in Bushehr Prison, Jabbar Ganji in Chabahar Prison, Jamshid Khanzadeh in Shahrekord Prison, Saeed Javan in Damghan Prison, and two other prisoners, one of whom has been identified by HRANA as Afshin Mohammadi, in Shiraz Prison were executed on murder charges.
As of the time of writing this report, these executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.
The continued large-scale implementation of death sentences under conditions of internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on information has intensified concerns about the lack of judicial transparency, prisoners’ denial of access to fair trials, and the increased risk of violations of the right to life. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that carrying out such punishments in a securitized and opaque environment increases the likelihood of serious human rights violations.
According to HRA’s annual report on the human rights situation in Iran, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. Based on this report, executions increased by 119% compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even denied the right to a final visit with their families.
