The Islamic Republic of Iran has accelerated its execution of dissidents and activists. This increase is likely obscured by the regime’s internet censorship and blackout. Since January’s uprisings against the regime, Tehran has enforced a violent clampdown on its opponents.
The Iran Human Rights Society reported 784 executions in 2026. A representative stated to Fox News Digital that these numbers show a rapid acceleration since March. The execution of political prisoners has reached levels not seen in 37 years.
A woman lays down flowers for execution victims in Iran during a rally in Paris, France, in May 2025. (Photo by Siavosh Hosseini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A State Department spokesperson expressed awareness of the disturbing rise in executions in Iran. They condemned the regime’s use of executions to punish individuals for exercising basic human rights, including peaceful protest for a better life.
For decades, Iranians have endured torture and sham trials, leading to executions and severe punishments. Often, coerced confessions serve as the key evidence.
Details provided by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) note that Iran executed at least 18 prisoners between May 31 and June 1. This includes 12 prisoners hanged on May 31 and six more on June 1. One execution was reportedly public and conducted with extreme brutality.
The NCRI recorded a total of 32 executions between March 19 and June 1. These involved members of the Iranian dissident group People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOE/MEK) and participants in Iran’s January 2026 protests.
The NCRI also reported that five political prisoners in Sheiban Prison face imminent execution risk. Four of these prisoners are accused of PMOE/MEK membership. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, urged the U.N. for immediate intervention to prevent these executions.
Adding to the urgency, Rajavi highlighted on social media Iran’s clerical regime’s horrific crimes. She called on international bodies to decisively condemn the executions and act to halt the killing of political prisoners and protesters.
The Iran Human Rights Society corroborated accounts of 18 executions occurring between May 31 and June 1. Despite internet restrictions, they receive reports from various sources such as prison contacts, families, lawyers, and local sources. They review and cross-check all reports before publishing. Internet limitations complicate documentation, but they continue to verify and document information diligently.
A display of a hanging rope during a rally in Paris, France, May 2025. (Photo by Siavosh Hosseini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks, informed Fox News Digital that while internet connectivity in Iran has largely returned, it remains limited compared to pre-protest conditions. International access is sluggish, indicating throttling alongside increased filtering, particularly affecting messaging apps.
Despite this, the Iran Human Rights Society representative believes the actual execution count is almost certainly higher. Iran frequently conducts secret executions and many are unreported or documented after a delay, especially in remote areas.
The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Iran’s human rights situation, Dr. Mai Sato, did not respond to Fox News Digital’s inquiries regarding the rise in executions in the country.
On June 20th, up to 100,000 Iranian expatriates are expected to rally in Paris, advocating for an end to these executions. Over 100 lawmakers, officials, former heads of state, and ministers are set to join, according to the NCRI.
Beth Bailey, a reporter covering the Middle East and beyond, previously worked as a civilian intelligence analyst with the Department of the Army. Follow her on social media at @BWBailey85.