ran executes musician Amirhossein Hatami, an 18-year-old guitarist, in a move that has shocked human rights groups worldwide.
Hatami was hanged at Ghezel Hesar prison near Tehran after being convicted of charges linked to anti-government protests. Iranian authorities said he committed acts against national security during unrest earlier this year.
The execution took place early Thursday morning, according to the judiciary’s official Mizan Online website. Officials claimed Hatami attacked a Basij paramilitary base and attempted to seize weapons.
Arrest, Trial, and Execution
Hatami was arrested on January 8 during protests in Tehran. Reports indicate he was held in solitary confinement for weeks and subjected to intense interrogation.
State media aired footage of his questioning, which critics say showed signs of coercion. His trial moved quickly, and he was sentenced to death on February 7 under the charge of “Moharebeh,” meaning enmity against God.
Human rights organizations argue the process lacked fairness. Amnesty International said it was “outraged” by the execution and described the trial as grossly unfair.
According to the group, Hatami’s conviction relied on forced confessions and was completed less than a month after his arrest.
Growing Fears of More Executions
Concerns are rising for other detainees. Reports suggest several prisoners have been moved to pre-execution confinement in the same facility.
Among those believed to be at risk are Mohammad Amin Biglari, 19, Ali Fahim, 23, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, 51, and Shahin Vahedparast Kolor, 30.
Exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi warned that more executions could follow. He accused the government of using the justice system to silence dissent.
“These young men are condemned not for anything they did, but because of what they represent,” he said in a public statement.
Pattern of Crackdown Intensifies
Hatami’s execution comes amid a surge in reported executions across Iran. Human rights monitors say at least 145 people have been executed in 2026 so far, with hundreds more cases unverified.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam of Iran Human Rights said the pace of executions shows a growing crackdown.
“The authorities view the Iranian people, who are demanding fundamental change, as the primary threat,” he said.
Multiple political prisoners have also been executed in recent days. According to reports, several were linked to the banned opposition group People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran.
Some executions were carried out without prior notice to families, according to Iran Human Rights, raising further concerns about transparency.
International Pressure Mounts
Global pressure is increasing on Iran’s leadership. Advocacy groups and opposition figures are calling on international bodies to intervene.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran urged the United Nations and Western governments to condemn the executions and take action.
Analysts say the rise in executions may be linked to internal unrest and external tensions. The country is currently facing conflict pressures and political instability.
A Symbol Beyond One Life
Hatami was more than a protester. Friends and supporters described him as a talented musician with a future ahead of him.
His death has become a symbol for many who oppose the government’s handling of dissent.
As the situation unfolds, human rights groups warn that many more lives could be at risk in the coming weeks.
The execution has intensified calls for accountability and renewed focus on the treatment of protesters in Iran.