Iran executes political prisoner Babak Shahbazi on charges of espionage for Isreal
Hengaw– Wednesday, September 17, 2025
The death sentence of Babak Shahbazi, a political prisoner in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, was carried out at dawn today following a grossly unfair trial, fabricated charges, and coerced confessions extracted under torture. He was denied the right to a final visit with his family before his execution.
According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Shahbazi, 44, a father of two, was executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison.
State-affiliated media claimed, without presenting evidence, that Shahbazi had access to sensitive facilities in the telecommunications, military, and security sectors, and that he allegedly provided information to Israel. However, the proceedings against him were marred by severe due process violations, including torture, forced confessions, and contradictory claims.
Despite clear evidence of irregularities, his death sentence was upheld in the shortest possible time during appeal proceedings. The case was overseen by Judge Abolqasem Salavati, widely known for issuing heavy sentences and death penalties in political cases.
Much of the so-called evidence against Shahbazi included casual or even humorous conversations with friends, many of whom themselves were tortured into testifying against him. These coerced testimonies formed the main basis for his death sentence.
In one particularly absurd claim, authorities accused Shahbazi’s young daughter of being a “leader” in the 2009 protests — despite the fact that she was only two years old at the time.
Shahbazi was arrested in December 2023 and initially held in Evin Prison. The judiciary charged him with “espionage for Israel” and “corruption on earth”, leading to his execution.
Other charges included “revealing the location of air conditioners,” “involvement in a bombing,” and even sending a message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — allegations that authorities labeled as evidence of “collaboration with Israel.” None of these claims were backed by credible evidence and relied solely on forced confessions. Shahbazi repeatedly resisted giving such confessions under torture.
