Iran has executed at least 15 Afghan nationals in the past two months, mostly on drug-related charges, according to figures by the Iran Human Rights Organization.
The majority of executions were carried out at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, while others took place at central prisons in Bandar Abbas, Gorgan, Isfahan, and Borujerd, the rights group said.
Executions of Afghan nationals in Iran have increased sharply since the Taliban regained power in 2021. According to the organization, 80 Afghan citizens were executed in Iran in 2024, marking the highest number in recent years. The data also shows that 16 Afghans were executed in 2022, 25 in 2023, and 80 in 2024.
Legal experts have criticized Iran’s judicial process, alleging that defendants, particularly Afghan prisoners, are often denied fair trials and legal representation.
“Iran violates the principles of fair trials, and Afghan detainees are deprived of their basic rights,” said Nasrullah Stanekzai, a legal expert. He also criticized the Taliban for failing to protect Afghan citizens abroad. “It is the responsibility of any government to safeguard the rights of its citizens, both inside and outside the country. The Taliban have not only failed in this duty but have also remained silent on the executions,” he added.
Afghan migrants in Iran also report deteriorating conditions, with many saying they are either at risk of deportation or facing harsh treatment in prisons.
“Afghan prisoners in Iran do not have access to defense lawyers and cannot prove their innocence,” said one Afghan migrant.
On January 18, a Taliban judicial delegation led by Abdul Malik Haqqani, the group’s deputy chief justice, visited Iran. However, the trip did not lead to any reduction in executions, as Iran has continued carrying out death sentences for Afghan prisoners.
The Taliban’s prison administration has estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 Afghan citizens are currently incarcerated in Iran.
