Iran Executes Political Prisoner Accused of Spying for Israel Amid Widespread Outcry
Hussain Hazbavi 
Iranian authorities have executed Pedram Madani, a political prisoner accused of espionage for Israel, sparking renewed outrage from human rights groups and civil society figures. The execution was reported on Wednesday by Mizan News Agency, which is affiliated with the Iranian judiciary.
Madani, in his 40s, had been imprisoned since 2019 and was sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court on charges of “corruption on earth” and Moharebeh (waging war against God). He was held for years in Tehran’s Evin Prison before being moved to Ghezelhesar Prison shortly before his execution.
Iran Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based organization, said Iran’s Supreme Court had overturned Madani’s death sentence on three separate occasions. Despite this, the case was repeatedly reassigned to other judicial branches that reinstated the death verdict.
“These are not judicial executions — they are extrajudicial killings carried out under the guise of legal process,” said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of IHR.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and political prisoner Narges Mohammadi described the case as a “clear injustice,” noting that Madani had no access to an independent lawyer and was forced to confess under psychological pressure and long-term solitary confinement.
The Iranian judiciary has yet to address the mounting accusations of serious procedural violations. Officials often justify such executions as measures to protect national security, especially amid heightened tensions with Israel and ongoing incidents of sabotage and targeted killings within Iran.
Civil rights activist Mehdi Mahmoudian, who is also detained in Evin Prison, wrote on social media that Madani was misled with false promises of leniency. “He is the third prisoner in one month to be removed from Ward 4 and taken for execution,” Mahmoudian revealed.
Human rights advocates warn of an alarming rise in politically motivated executions in Iran, often carried out in secrecy and without fair trial standards.
