Young woman Afsaneh Zendabadi executed in Tabriz Central Prison on drug-related charges

Hengaw – Friday, June 5, 2026

Iranian authorities executed a young woman identified as Afsaneh Zendabadi in Tabriz Central Prison in late May 2026. She had previously been sentenced to death on drug-related charges.

According to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the execution of Afsaneh Zendabadi, a 22-year-old Turkish woman from Tabriz, was carried out at dawn on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Tabriz Central Prison.

Sources told Hengaw that Zendabadi was arrested in 2023 when she was only 19 years old and was subsequently sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court on charges related to drug trafficking and possession.

According to information published by the Iran Human Rights Organization, Zendabadi consistently stated throughout her interrogations, investigation proceedings and trial that she had been subjected from childhood to grooming, repeated abuse, threats and sexual violence by her stepfather. She reportedly told judicial authorities that she had been coerced by him into involvement in drug trafficking and transportation activities.

Despite these claims, Iranian security and judicial authorities proceeded with her prosecution and execution without taking into account her alleged victimization and vulnerability. According to the report, her stepfather, the individual she identified as responsible for the abuse and coercion, has not faced any known legal consequences or prosecution.