Iranian authorities have executed a Kurdish political prisoner, Hamid Huseynnejad Heyderanlu, without notifying his family, according to human rights groups, in a case marked by alleged torture, forced confessions and judicial secrecy.
Heyderanlu, a 40-year-old father of three was executed following a death sentence on charges of “baghi” – or armed rebellion – linked to alleged membership in an opposition group. His family was only informed after the execution had taken place, human rights organisations reported on Tuesday.
The HRANA news agency, citing Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, said Heyderanlu’s execution was carried out after he was transferred from solitary confinement in Urmia (Urmiyê) in Iranian Kurdistan to an undisclosed location on 17 April. On the night of 22 April, his family was summoned to the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Urmia and informed of his death. They had repeatedly gathered outside the prison in previous days, demanding information about his condition and an end to the execution process.
Kurdpa News Agency reported that the family has yet to receive his body or learn the exact time or place of the execution.
Heyderanlu was arrested on 13 April 2023 near the Chaldoran border by Iranian border guards. Human rights groups say he was held for over 11 months in the Urmia Intelligence Ministry detention centre, where he was subjected to physical and psychological torture intended to extract a confession.
On 19 April, state-affiliated media released a video showing Heyderanlu’s forced confession and a re-enactment of an alleged armed operation. Sources close to the family said he had consistently denied all charges and maintained he was travelling to Turkey with his family at the time of the purported clash.
In July 2024, Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death. His sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court in March 2025. During the entire trial, he was denied access to legal counsel.
Rights groups and international observers have condemned Iran’s increasing use of the death penalty against political prisoners, particularly Kurds, warning that such actions may constitute serious human rights violations.
Related articles
Iran to execute Kurdish prisoner; brother attempts suicide in protestThe sanctity of life is under pressure
