TEHRAN: Iran Human Rights Organization has reported that the execution of Hadiqa Abadi and Younes Mazar Shams, an Afghan couple residing in Iran, was carried out on Thursday, in Qazvin Central Prison. According to the organization’s statement on Sunday, the couple had lived in Iran for approximately 20 years, working as caretakers in the district of Talqan, Alborz Province. They were arrested four years ago on drug-related charges, and their three children were released months later and returned to Afghanistan. The identities and ages of the children remain unspecified, although they are referred to as “minor.” So far, Iranian officials and state media have not responded to inquiries regarding the details of the case or the execution. The execution of this couple comes amid a rising trend in executions in Iran, with several Afghans among those executed. According to Hangaw Organization, an average of 25 people have been executed weekly in Iranian prisons since the beginning of 2025, bringing the total number of executions to 906, of which 59 were Afghans. Human rights activists have warned that the actual number of executions may be higher than official figures, as many sentences are carried out in silence without the accused having access to fair trials. They have urged the international community to pressure Iran to halt the wave of executions and ensure the rights of Afghan refugees and migrants are respected.
- Advertisment -
