Monday, April 20, 2026

Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of the judiciary, has once again emphasized the need to handle the cases of detainees "outside the normal routine" and quickly. Referring to the conditions he refers to as the "wartime arrangement of justice," he called for a significant acceleration of judicial processes and emphasized direct action by investigators in prisons to explain the charges and quickly draft indictments. These positions are expressed at a time when reports of online trials, mass trials, and a new wave of executions have raised serious concerns.

These messages are worrying in these critical circumstances. Experience has shown that in times of crisis, especially in wartime, the regime targets political and ideological prisoners as the most vulnerable group. Today, as the war continues, and even during a fragile ceasefire, the lives of thousands of prisoners are more at risk than ever before. The location of many prisons near or within military facilities has exposed prisoners to the risk of direct military attacks, while disruptions to food, medicine, and medical services have worsened their situation.

In addition to these risks, the threat of execution and ill-treatment has also increased. In recent weeks, the execution of a number of political prisoners and protesters, including those arrested during the January 2026 protests, demonstrates the continued use of the death penalty to suppress opponents. This trend, at a time when the regime has repeatedly spoken of “revenge” against prisoners in critical situations, is reminiscent of bitter experiences such as the massacre of political prisoners in 1988 and reinforces the fear of a repeat of such tragedies.

The situation in large prisons, especially in Evin, Qezelhesar, and Greater Tehran, is extremely worrying. The transfer of some prisoners to overcrowded and poorly equipped facilities, the interruption or limitation of family visits, and the lack of information about the prisoners’ condition have added to the dimensions of this crisis.

In the current situation, this danger is much more serious. First, during the two recent wars, when parts of the high-level leadership of the Islamic Republic were eliminated, the remaining core of power, in order to demonstrate power, is exerting more pressure and repression on society. Second, the war itself dominates the security environment and repression in this environment is further justified. And third, in the absence of the leader of the regime, Ali Khamenei, the role and authority of institutions such as the judiciary have become more prominent and at the same time more unpredictable. Sooner or later, the Islamic Republic will be overthrown by the people of Iran, but it will keep the nooses up as long as it can.

The current fragile ceasefire should not lead to neglect of the fate of the prisoners. On the contrary, this is a sensitive moment to draw public attention to their situation. Political prisoners are on the front lines of the fight against tyranny and, in a war environment, are more vulnerable to physical elimination and repression than ever before.

At the international level, the silence of institutions affiliated with human rights organizations is unacceptable. It is essential that global public opinion be made aware of the situation of prisoners in Iran and that this awareness be used as a lever to pressure the Islamic Republic to stop executions and immediately release political and ideological prisoners.

The Left Party of Iran calls on political movements, human rights institutions, civil activists, and the Iranian people to work to stop executions, end unfair trials, and immediately release political and ideological prisoners by raising public awareness and organizing domestic and international campaigns. Protecting the lives of political prisoners is the shared responsibility of all people and political movements claiming democracy and institutions that strive to realize human rights. Silence in these circumstances could lead to an irreparable disaster.

Political-Executive Board of the Left Party of Iran
Monday, April 20, 2026