On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the UK Parliament hosted a pivotal conference titled “Iran: The Alarming Surge in Executions,” which coincided with the first anniversary of the No to the Executions Tuesdays campaign.
Organized by the Association of Former Political Prisoners in the UK, the event brought together parliamentarians, human rights defenders, and survivors of Iran’s harsh prison system to discuss the worsening human rights violations in the country and the urgent need for action to halt the execution of political prisoners.
A Unified International Appeal for Action
This conference unfolded against the backdrop of a global campaign advocating for the lives of two political prisoners, Mehdi Hasani and Behrouz Ehsani, who are facing imminent execution. Both are key supporters of Iran’s primary opposition group, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), and have been transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison, sparking serious concern among human rights activists and prompting global calls for intervention.
Chairing the session, Narges Rahmanfard began by emphasizing the significance of the event in drawing attention to Iran’s escalating human rights abuses. She condemned the regime’s increasing use of executions, particularly against political dissidents, and urged the international community and UK lawmakers to take swift action. Rahmanfard also highlighted the ongoing international campaign to prevent the execution of Mehdi Hasani and Behrouz Ehsani, stressing the importance of showing solidarity with the Iranian people in their quest for justice. She framed the event as an opportunity to amplify the voices of the Iranian Resistance and those suffering under oppression.
MPs and Lords Call for Stronger International Action
Several Members of Parliament (MPs) and Lords who spoke at the event condemned the Iranian regime’s systemic use of executions as a tool for silencing opposition and called for decisive international action. Jim Shannon MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief, underlined the moral responsibility of parliamentarians: “Behind the alarming rise in executions, I recognize the role we as MPs must play. I pray for Iran every day, for its people, for its liberty and democracy. Along with many others, I will do my best in this house to bring about changes that matter.”
Lord Whitty, a former UK government minister and Labour life peer, urged a stronger response from the UK and its allies, adding, “Western governments particularly have a responsibility here. Too many are turning a blind eye. My government must take steps, including the proscription of the IRGC, and work with allies to ensure that the regime receives no economic or political support. The world must not treat Iran as just another government, but as a blot on humanity.”
Baroness O’Loan, a crossbench member of the House of Lords and former Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, sharply criticized the Iranian judicial system and its execution practices, stating, “The judiciary and executions in Iran are not about justice; they are tools of oppression aimed at silencing dissent. The UK must take two overdue actions: proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist organization, as the U.S. and Canada have done, and leading international efforts at the UN to hold the regime accountable.” She also praised Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
Conservative MP David Pinto-Duschinsky, a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, rejected the notion of moderation in Iran’s leadership, asserting, “Despite a so-called moderate president, we are witnessing hundreds of executions and a complete denial of rights to the Iranian people. Their legitimate demands for a voice in their own future are being crushed.”
Labour MP Dawn Butler for Brent Central, former Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, questioned the international community’s failure to take meaningful action, saying, “When we hear about what’s happening in Iran, we think—how can this still be happening in our lifetime? How can we watch this unfold before our eyes and not do more?”
William Powell, former Liberal Democrat Member of the Welsh Assembly, reflected on the Iranian regime’s fragility, saying, “Nothing is more powerful than hearing the voices of those who have sacrificed for their principles. The Iranian regime may still wield power and tools of oppression, but it remains deeply fragile. That makes our efforts now more crucial than ever.”
Personal Testimonies from Former Prisoners
The conference also featured powerful testimonies from former political prisoners who shared firsthand accounts of the brutal torture and psychological torment inflicted upon detainees.
Ahmad Ebrahimi, chairman of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in the UK and a survivor of the 1988 massacre, recounted his harrowing experience of enduring a decade in Iran’s prison system. He described widespread torture, forced confessions, and the horrific execution process.
Jamshid Adhami, another former prisoner, recalled the brutal scenes he witnessed: “I saw how people were tortured, how they executed prisoners. The most painful thing was hearing women and girls being tortured. Today, we are the voice of the voiceless. We must put an end to this brutality.”
Reza Rahmanfard highlighted the critical need for international unity, stating, “Let’s not forget the names of Mehdi Hasani and Behrouz Ehsani. Right now, they are enduring difficult days in solitary confinement. In such moments, international solidarity becomes more critical than ever.”
Neda Zabeti, representing Iranian youth, strongly condemned Iran’s execution practices, asserting, “Executions in Iran are not about justice; they are instruments of control and repression. The regime continues to act with impunity. We must stand with the Iranian diaspora, support the campaign for justice for the victims of 1988, and demand the proscription of the IRGC.” She also shared a deeply personal testimony, revealing, “My father’s aunt was thrown into prison while pregnant. She gave birth there and raised her baby behind bars for the first three years of its life. My father’s uncle was tortured to death, and his body was thrown into Evin Prison as a warning to others. The suffering in Iran runs deep, and the regime’s brutality touches nearly every family.”
The Surge in Executions
Speakers at the conference underscored the alarming increase in executions in Iran, particularly since the appointment of Masoud Pezeshkian as president. Reports indicate that at least 774 executions have taken place since August 2024, including 127 in the past month—an 80% rise compared to the previous year.
Baroness O’Loan addressed this worrying surge, saying, “As we heard, over a thousand executions took place last year. This is a very clear indication of the ongoing horror in Iran. The regime is using these executions to terrorize the population into submission.”
William Powell echoed this concern, noting that while the Iranian regime might appear powerful, its reliance on mass executions reveals its vulnerability.
A Call for International Action
The conference also highlighted the plight of eight MEK supporters sentenced to death following unfair trials, accused of “Baghi” (armed rebellion). These individuals have been subjected to torture, forced confessions, and the denial of basic legal rights, including independent legal representation.
In response to these urgent issues, the speakers made several key recommendations for global action, including:
- The immediate revocation of death sentences and the release of political prisoners
- Official recognition of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and endorsement of Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan
- The designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization
- Expansion of sanctions and increased international pressure on the Iranian regime
A Unified Call for Solidarity
The session concluded with a unified call to action, urging immediate steps to prevent further executions and to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its violations of human rights. Attendees reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Iranian people and their organized resistance, emphasizing that sustained international pressure is vital for achieving justice and democracy in Iran.