Iran executes four, including two Afghan nationals, amid rising concerns over human rights violations

The Iranian Human Rights Organization has reported that Iran has executed four individuals, including two Afghan nationals, in the central prison of Qom. According to the statement released on Tuesday, Shahin Dehqani and Abdul Qadir, both Afghan citizens, were hanged after being convicted of murder.

In addition to Dehqani and Qadir, two other individuals were executed in the same prison for various crimes. Further details about their cases have not been made public. The organization also disclosed that four more individuals, including another Afghan, have been transferred to Qazal Hisari Prison in Karaj, where they are awaiting execution. The specifics of these cases are expected to be released later.

Iran has a history of executing Afghan nationals, with dozens reportedly hanged for a range of offenses over the years. Currently, there are approximately 7,000 Afghan prisoners in Iranian prisons, although it remains unclear how many of them are on death row.

The executions have sparked renewed concern about the treatment of Afghan refugees and prisoners in Iran. Reports of harassment, humiliation, and abuse of Afghan nationals by Iranian authorities have been increasing, adding to the tensions between the two countries.

Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have previously condemned Iran's escalating use of capital punishment. According to a recent Amnesty report, Iran carried out 75% of all recorded executions globally in 2023, signaling a troubling trend. These executions, often criticized for lacking transparency and due process, have drawn widespread international condemnation.

As the human rights situation in Iran deteriorates, the fate of Afghan prisoners and refugees in the country remains a pressing issue, with mounting calls for accountability and reform.