KABUL, Afghanistan — Iranian authorities have executed at least 25 Afghan nationals in the first four months of 2025, according to new data released by the Iran Human Rights Organization, which warns of a sharp and troubling rise in executions of Afghans abroad.
The executions, carried out in prisons across Iran — including Ghezel Hesar in Karaj, Zahedan Central Prison, Bandar Abbas, Qazvin, and Shiraz — were mostly for alleged drug trafficking and, in some cases, murder. Rights groups say many of these cases were shrouded in secrecy, with Iranian authorities failing to publicly acknowledge the executions or provide details to the families.
In its latest monthly report, the organization confirmed the execution of four Afghan citizens — Masoud Mirzaei, Rabih Shah Murad, Wasim Ahmad, and Mohammad Ali Naseri — in April at prisons in Shiraz and Ghezel Hesar. The group noted that most of those executed lacked legal representation or access to fair trials, a longstanding concern among human rights advocates.
“These are people who often have no one to defend them,” said Abdul Ahad Farzam, a legal expert on human rights issues. “Many are poor migrants or refugees trapped in a system where due process is a distant promise.”
Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, executions of Afghan citizens in Iran have surged. The Iran Human Rights Organization estimates that more than 80 Afghans were executed in Iran in 2024 alone — a number that appears to be rising in 2025.
Analysts attribute the trend in part to the political vacuum in Afghanistan, where the Taliban authorities have remained largely silent in response to the execution of their nationals abroad. “The absence of legitimate representation and international advocacy for Afghan citizens is contributing to this crisis,” said Mr. Farzam.
Rights groups also warn that the lack of transparency from Iranian authorities obscures the true scale of the problem. Many executions are believed to go unreported. In March, three more Afghan men — Ezzatullah Arab, Moein Arab, and Abdul Bari Jahani — were executed in Bandar Abbas on drug charges, the rights organization said.
Meanwhile, Afghan families and former prisoners have raised concerns over systemic mistreatment and lack of legal access in Iranian detention facilities. “Afghan prisoners in Iran are denied basic legal rights, including access to a lawyer,” said Enayatullah Alkozai, an Afghan citizen living in Iran.
According to Taliban-released figures, between 5,000 and 6,000 Afghans are currently imprisoned in Iran. While most face long-term sentences, human rights monitors say an unknown number are at risk of execution.
Despite the deteriorating situation, the Taliban have said little. Last week, Iranian state media reported a prisoner swap involving 201 detainees: 109 Afghan nationals were released in exchange for two Iranian prisoners. No further details were made public.
