Alarm Raised over Imminent Execution of at least 12 Prisoners in Iran

At least 12 political and ideological prisoners are at imminent risk of execution in Iran, according to the activist HRANA news agency, amid a spike in executions in the country.

HRANA said on January 18 that eight of the death sentences were delivered by Branch 26 and Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, headed by Judges Iman Afshari and Mohammad Moqiseh, respectively. 

Judge Afshari has a history of sentencing protesters and other political prisoners to death.

None of the defendants had access to legal representation during their trials, according to HRANA. 

Lack of due process and use of vague charges like "waging war against God," "corruption on Earth," "membership in opposition parties," and "cooperation with foreign countries" raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the convictions.

At least 791 individuals were executed across Iran last year, marking a 33 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) group.