Iranian Political Prisoners Face Death Sentences Amid Escalating Crackdown, Sister Warns

Niki Nikbakht, an Iranian living in Germany, expressed deep fears that she may never see her two brothers, Hadi and Fazlollah Nikbakht, again after they were sentenced to death in Iran. In an interview with CNN on Thursday, she revealed that her brothers are political prisoners convicted of encouraging protests against the Iranian regime. They were charged with broad offenses including "corruption on earth" and activities against the state. Nikbakht criticized the Iranian government for portraying political activists as societal threats to justify harsh sentences.

According to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based organization working with activists inside and outside Iran, at least 47 political prisoners have been executed since the recent outbreak of unrest. The group alleges that Tehran has accelerated executions, exploiting the ongoing conflict and international focus to intensify internal repression. Human rights organizations warn that Iranian authorities use vague security charges to legitimize death penalties against regime opponents, often relying on coerced confessions and violating defendants' rights during trials.

Iran has not responded to the allegations reported by CNN. The situation highlights growing concerns over the regime's crackdown on dissent amid ongoing protests and conflict within the country.