Execution of Protesters and Detention of Minorities, Signs of Intensified Pressures in Shadow of Iran’s Internal Crises

The execution of protesters and detention of minorities demonstrate an increase in security and religious pressures in Iran coinciding with political and regional developments.

Reports released from human rights sources indicate a significant increase in judicial and security actions in Iran; a process that has targeted both political protesters and religious minorities, raising serious concerns about the state of human rights in the country.

In the latest case, the death sentence of “Erfan Kiani,” one of those arrested during the nationwide protests in December 2024 in the city of Isfahan, was carried out on Thursday, April 23, 2025. He had been sentenced to death on charges including “moharebeh” (waging war against God) and other security-related charges. The execution took place as reports indicate that the process of handling similar cases is being pursued with greater speed and harsher sentences are being issued against protesters.

According to released information, this citizen was arrested during public protests and subsequently faced charges in the Revolutionary Court including “moharebeh through drawing a cold weapon,” “creating insecurity,” “incitement to violent acts,” and “participation in destruction of public property.” Official media has also claimed that he played a role in directing some protest activities; claims that have been made in many similar cases without presenting clear evidence.

Human rights organizations have warned that the increase in execution of death sentences, particularly following heightened military tensions in the region, could be a sign of the government’s attempt to control the domestic sphere through creating public fear. Analysts believe that the use of capital punishment under such circumstances has more of a political deterrent aspect than the implementation of judicial justice. Additionally, many death sentences, even after execution, are not covered by media and remain hidden, making it difficult to access accurate statistics on the execution of such sentences.

Alongside these developments, another report on treatment of religious minorities, particularly the Bahai community, has been released. Three Bahai women residing in Rafsanjan named “Bashri Mostafavi,” “Nahid Naeimi” (Elna), and “Didar Ahmadi” have been detained to serve their sentences and transferred to Kerman Central Prison. These individuals had previously been sentenced to four months in prison each on charges of “propaganda against the system.”

A notable point in this case is the contradictory nature of its judicial process; in the initial phase, the criminal court had ruled to acquit these three citizens due to lack of sufficient evidence, but this ruling was overturned in the appellate court.

According to released reports, during the proceedings, the appellate court judge explicitly referred to these individuals’ religious beliefs and said: “You are Bahai and in an Islamic country you must pay the price for being Bahai.” These statements, according to observers, are a clear indication of the influence of religious beliefs on the legal process and issuance of judicial rulings.

Human rights experts emphasize that such treatment exemplifies a violation of freedom of religion and belief; a right that is emphasized in international documents including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However, reports show that restrictions against religious minorities in Iran continue and in some cases have intensified.

Overall, the simultaneous execution of severe sentences against protesters and increased pressure on religious minorities presents a concerning picture of Iran’s current situation; a situation that, according to observers, requires serious attention from the international community and human rights defenders.