Terror dwells within the execution chambers of Iranian religious leaders

The Brutal Reality Behind the Iron Grips of Iran's Mullahs' Death Cells

Horror persists in the death chambers of Iran's clerics

The agony of Mehdi Hassani, a man on death row in Iran's Ghezel Hesar Prison, echoes through the veils of his daughter, Maryam's, narrative. Sentenced to death for criticizing the Iranian regime, Mehdi's story is a testament to the horrors that unfold in the shadowy corners of the Mullahs' infamous prisons in Iran – prisons known as the last stop before execution.

On September 6, 2022, Maryam last laid eyes on her father. The days that followed were filled with uncertainty, as there was no trace of him. But then came a letter – a chilling confirmation that her father had been apprehended and taken to Evin Prison in Tehran. His long-time criticism of the Iranian regime is the reason behind his current miserable plight.

The harrowing accounts of torture and executions perpetrated by Iran's mullahs towards their critics have once again garnered international attention, with the latest UN report shedding light on a staggering 975 executions in Iran last year, marking the highest since 2015 [1]. Many of these prisoners endure excruciating torment before meeting their inevitable end.

Maryam recalls her father having sustained severe neck, back, and foot injuries while in the prison. Access to medical care, however, is cruelly denied to him. Among the dark methods used to break his spirit were also the deprivation of food and sleep opportunities. Officially, Mehdi Hassani was charged with "armed rebellion against the state," "enmity against God," and "corruption on earth." Sharia law, the basis for Iran's state legislation, is a reflection of the divine order as interpreted through the lens of Islam.

Psychological pressure was also applied to force false confessions. "They threatened to do something terrible to my eight-year-old brother, even threatening to rape him," Maryam revealed. The UN and other human rights organizations have not been able to independently verify Hassani's statements. Nevertheless, it aligns with other reports detailing Mehdi Hassani’s unjust conviction in a biased trial that lasted only five minutes, as recorded by Amnesty International [2]. The trial was marked by accusations of torture and other egregious misconduct leading to coerced confessions.

Adding to the alarming surge in executions, at least 55 political prisoners now face the death penalty, with Maryam Hassani urging the federal government to link ongoing negotiations with the Iranian regime to the release of these prisoners. On October 8, 2022, she will be among the demonstrators advocating for their cause.

Iran* Iran Conflict* Human Rights* Amnesty International* United Nations* Executions* Torture

Enrichment Data:

General Status of Executions and Torture in Iran's Prisons:

A record-breaking surge in executions is evident in Iran. 157 executions were reported in May 2025 alone, the highest monthly total so far this year, with the total reaching 478 by the end of May 2025 – a 75% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [3][5].
The victims are wide-ranging, including political dissidents, ethnic minorities (such as Baluch, Kurdish, Ahwazi Arab, and Turkmen), women, and those accused of drug-related offenses [3][5].
Torture and forced confessions are still common, particularly in cases involving espionage or national security charges. The trials often lack due process, often turning into mock proceedings that expedite politically motivated executions [1][2].
The judiciary has intensified repression by swiftly prosecuting those accused of espionage and collaborating with foreign adversaries, with Iranian officials urging for swift and harsh punishments [1].
gravity is further heightened by reports of secret prisoner transfers, raising fears of enforced disappearances and continued violent treatment of detainees [1].

Specific Case: Mehdi Hassani on Death Row:

The broader context of political prisoners on death row in Iran applies to Mehdi Hassani. Dozens of political prisoners, including individuals accused of espionage or national security offenses, are at grave risk of execution in this repressive climate [1][2].- The Iranian regime has a documented history of executing political prisoners on fabricated charges after torturous interrogations and unfair trials [1].- Human rights organizations remain cautiously concerned that prisoners accused of spying for Israel or other hostile nations – charges often levied in political cases – are subjected to torture and arbitrary executions [2].- The recent executions of prisoners such as Pedram Madani for espionage charges underscore the brutal crackdown on alleged foreign collaborators, a category into which Mehdi Hassani’s case likely falls [5].

International Calls and Human Rights Advocacy:

Human rights entities and UN bodies have called for urgent protection measures for political prisoners and to cease arbitrary executions in Iran [1][2][4].
There is an urgent appeal for the international community to demand Iran halt the death penalty, investigate the allegations of torture, and uphold the rights of fair trials [3][4].

The brutal reality of Iran's mullahs' death cells, as shown in the case of Mehdi Hassani, highlights the urgent need for a review of both community policy and employment policy in Iran's prisons, ensuring the upholding of human rights and the abolition of torture and arbitrary executions.
As the international community focuses on politics and general-news, it is crucial not to overlook the crime-and-justice aspect, particularly in the context of Iran, where the number of political prisoners facing death penalty has alarmingly increased, necessitating immediate intervention for the protection of their fundamental rights.