Growing Concerns Over Death Sentence of Christian Citizen Mohammad Nikbakht
Increased pressure on political and religious activists in Iran has once again drawn the attention of human rights organizations. This time, concerns are focused on Mohammad Nikbakht, a Christian citizen, political activist, and member of the National Solidarity Council of Iran, who according to human rights sources faces the danger of a death sentence being issued. These concerns have intensified following the recent sentencing of his two brothers, Hadi and Fathollah Nikbakht, to execution by the Golpaygan Revolutionary Court on charges of “corruption on earth”; a ruling that human rights activists view as another example of the Islamic Republic’s widespread use of capital punishment against critics and political opponents.
According to reports published by Iran Human Rights Organization, Hadi and Fathollah Nikbakht were sentenced to execution on charges of “corruption on earth” approximately two weeks ago. Although the precise details of the evidence presented against the two brothers have not been made public, their case claims they played a role in organizing anti-government protests.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Nikbakht is also facing a case that according to informed sources could result in a death sentence. He was arrested on March 15, 2025, during an extensive operation by security forces; an operation that according to reports was carried out with the presence of numerous armed personnel and the use of force. Following his arrest, his family had no information about his situation for weeks, and only after approximately two months did it become clear that he was being held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.
Human rights reports indicate that Mohammad Nikbakht is being held in the political prisoners’ ward of this prison and has faced repeated threats during his detention. Some sources have stated that prison officials have verbally threatened him with execution, an issue that has doubled concerns about the future of his case.
The Nikbakht family is among those families that in recent years have been repeatedly pressured due to their political and civil activities. All three brothers have been supporters of a referendum to determine the future of Iran’s political system, and Mohammad Nikbakht had previously been arrested several times. Reports also mention a failed assassination attempt against him in past years.
Following the death sentences issued for Hadi and Fathollah Nikbakht, the family of these two prisoners has attempted to pursue their case through legal channels. However, sources close to the family say it remains unclear whether their chosen lawyer has gained access to all documents and case materials. According to existing laws, the condemned have limited opportunity to appeal the verdict.
Coinciding with increased concerns, an international campaign for Mohammad Nikbakht’s freedom has been launched. The organizers of this campaign are seeking to draw the attention of international bodies and democratic governments to his situation. The petition states: “Mohammad Nikbakht is not merely a political activist and human rights defender, but a symbol of hope, a courageous voice for justice, and a believing Christian.”
This campaign has called upon the United Nations, democratic governments, and human rights organizations to take action for Mohammad Nikbakht’s immediate release and respond to his situation. The statement also emphasizes that the Islamic Republic will be held responsible for any potential harm to his life.
Human rights activists warn that Christian citizens in Iran, beyond political pressures, also face restrictions and threats due to their religious beliefs. In their view, the combination of political activity and Christian faith can increase the risk of security crackdowns; an issue that according to government critics is also evident in Mohammad Nikbakht’s case.
As the Islamic Republic continues to have one of the highest rates of death sentence executions in the world, human rights organizations have warned about the expanding use of this punishment against political opponents, civil activists, and religious minorities. The Nikbakht family case has now become one of the latest examples of these concerns and has drawn the attention of many human rights activists and Iran’s Christian community.
