Iranian Regime Accused of Targeting Political Prisoners with Death Sentences

The British Committee for Iran Freedom (BCFIF) has raised alarm over Iran’s latest crackdown on political dissidents. In a statement released on 18 July 2025, the Committee urged the UK Government to strongly condemn Iran’s planned executions of political prisoners.

According to the Committee, Iran has sentenced three political prisoners—Farshad Etemadi-Far, Masoud Jamei, and Alireza Mardasi (Hamidavi)—to two death sentences each. They are accused of vague and politically motivated charges like “enmity against God,” “collusion against national security,” and “membership in the PMOI (MEK),” Iran’s main opposition group.

Fears of a New Mass Execution Campaign

The Committee believes these rulings are part of a wider effort by the regime to silence opposition. They warn that Iran may be planning another mass killing of political prisoners, similar to the 1988 massacre, when over 30,000 prisoners were executed.

On 16 July, IRGC agents attempted to transfer Saeed Masouri, one of Iran’s longest-held political prisoners, to an unknown location. Masouri, jailed for 25 years, wrote a public letter titled “A Crime is in Progress.” In it, he warns that another massacre may soon begin in Iran’s prisons.

State Media Fuels the Threat

In a deeply concerning move, Fars News Agency—affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard—published an editorial on 7 July. The article praised the 1988 massacre as a “successful experience” and encouraged its repetition.

This rhetoric, according to BCFIF, shows clear intent and planning behind the regime’s actions.

UN Experts and British MPs Sound the Alarm

Earlier this month, UN human rights experts also raised concerns. They said that Iran’s recent language and behavior remind them of the events that led to the 1988 killings. They urged the world to monitor Iran’s actions closely.

At a cross-party meeting in the UK Parliament on 16 July, MPs called on the government to:

• Publicly condemn the death sentences

• Push for an immediate halt to executions

• Demand the release of all political prisoners

• Insist on access for UN Special Rapporteurs to inspect prisons

• Tie all diplomatic talks with Iran to human rights conditions

The Committee’s Final Warning: Silence Enables Crimes

The British Committee for Iran Freedom warns that doing nothing now may lead to another humanitarian catastrophe. The group says the UK must act fast to stop the executions and support the Iranian people and their organised resistance.

Without strong international pressure, the regime will continue its campaign of repression—this time with potentially deadly consequences.