Peyvand Naimi’s Detention
Nearly three months have passed since 30-year-old Peyvand Naimi was arrested amidst the widespread street protests in Iran in January, which were violently quelled. He has spent over a month in isolation, appeared on television for a forced confession, and has experienced two mock hangings, physical abuse, interrogation, psychological torment, and starvation.
Allegations and Family Concerns
Naimi is accused of involvement in the deaths of security personnel during the protests and of rejoicing at the death of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. His family firmly maintains his innocence and reports that no formal charges have been leveled against him. He has been denied legal representation, causing his relatives to fear for his life.
Escalating Executions in Iran
This unfolding drama occurs amid rising concerns over increased executions in Iran, which are currently being “overshadowed” by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict involving Iran. As of 2026, at least 145 fatalities have been confirmed, with over 400 additional executions reported but unverified, according to Iran Human Rights.
Public Executions and Legal Proceedings
Earlier this month, three men were publicly executed following their arrest in relation to the January protests. Among them was 19-year-old wrestling prodigy Saleh Mohammadi, who, along with Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi, was convicted of moharebeh (waging war against God), as per state media reports. This came a day after the execution of Kourosh Keyvani, a dual Swedish-Iranian national, for espionage.
Human Rights Violations and Executions
The ongoing internet blackout inhibits accurate tracking of executions in Iran. Many death sentences are not publicly announced, leaving families and the imprisoned in the dark. Authorities have also warned families of detained individuals against reaching out, with numerous detainees facing potential death sentences, according to Amnesty.
Specific Cases of Brutality
Danial Niazi, an 18-year-old facing charges of moharebeh and other offenses, was informed of his fate during a televised trial segment. Reports indicate that he has suffered mock executions intended to force false confessions. Recently, the state media disclosed that two political prisoners were executed after being tried in proceedings allegedly biased and marred by torture.
Ongoing Torture and Family Suffering
Human rights organizations contend that the Iranian government exploits executions as warnings against dissent. Since the 2022 protests, authorities have weaponized the death penalty to instill fear in the populace. Families have reported severe overcrowding in prisons, along with denial of basic needs like food and medical care, emphasizing the perilous conditions faced by prisoners.
