TEHRAN — Iran has executed two prisoners, including an Afghan national, on drug-related charges, the human rights organization Hengaw reported.
According to the group, the executions were carried out on Sunday at Gorgan Central Prison in northern Iran. The individuals were identified as Abdul Hamid Kohkan, a 26-year-old Afghan citizen, and Gul Mohammad Gorgij, a 34-year-old Baloch citizen.
Kohkan was reportedly arrested four years ago on drug charges and later sentenced to death. Gorgij, who was arrested five years ago on similar charges, was initially given a 20-year prison sentence, which was later changed to the death penalty for undisclosed reasons.
Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world, with more than 70 people put to death last year on various charges, according to human rights groups.
Following a surge in executions of Afghan nationals, a Taliban delegation visited Iran last year, saying it sought an alternative to the execution of Afghan citizens. However, there has been no indication that Iran has altered its policies.
