The Iranian government has executed four Afghan nationals within the past week, according to reports from human rights organizations. The executions are part of a troubling pattern, with at least 61 Afghan citizens put to death in Iran this year alone, watchdog groups report.
The latest executions included two men from Afghanistan’s Farah Province, identified as Mohammadshah Achakzehi and Rahim Achakzehi. Both were convicted on drug-related charges in a joint case and executed at Mashhad Central Prison, according to Iran Human Rights, a prominent monitoring group.
Human rights organizations have documented a sharp increase in the number of Afghans executed in Iran since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. In 2022, 16 Afghan nationals were executed in Iran, rising to 25 in 2023. This year, the number has already surpassed 60, with months still remaining.
Most of these executions have been tied to drug-related offenses and murder, charges that carry severe penalties under Iranian law.
The Taliban have yet to issue a statement regarding the recent executions. However, earlier this year, an Iranian judicial delegation visited Kabul to discuss the fate of 1,000 Afghan inmates held in Iranian prisons. The delegation agreed to repatriate these prisoners, many of whom are serving sentences for drug-related crimes, within two months.
No details have emerged on whether the agreement will impact those facing capital punishment.
The increasing number of executions has underscored the precarious situation faced by Afghan migrants and refugees in Iran. Human rights advocates have highlighted systemic challenges, including discrimination, legal barriers, and difficulties accessing education and residency permits.
“Afghan migrants in Iran face many problems. In every city and village where they live, they experience numerous issues, especially with residency and education,” said Marufa Safi, a representative for a group of Afghan refugees in Iran.
Conditions for Afghan prisoners in Iran have also drawn criticism. Qarchak Prison, located in Tehran and designated for women and children, has been described as “horrific” by Iran Human Rights. Its fifth section, reserved for foreign nationals, houses many Afghan inmates under reportedly dire conditions.
Iran is the only country with such a high number of executions of Afghan nationals. In addition to Iran’s actions, Saudi Arabia has executed at least three Afghan citizens this year on various charges, further highlighting the legal vulnerabilities faced by Afghan migrants across the region.
