Execution of Four Prisoners in Karaj Central Prison Raises Concerns over Transparency

Hengaw: January 31, 2024

On Monday, January 29, 2024, the death sentences of four individuals—Mohammad Hussein Esmaieli, Ali Rajabian, Javad Ajamian, and Mohammad Hassan Jafari—were carried out in Karaj Central Prison. The execution has prompted concerns about transparency and adherence to due process.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the four prisoners, initially detained on charges related to drug offenses, were sentenced to death by the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been no official announcement of the executions in government-sanctioned media outlets, especially those aligned with the judiciary. The lack of transparency surrounding such a significant event raises questions about the accountability and openness of the legal system.

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, which monitors human rights violations in the region, has been vocal in expressing concerns over the execution of individuals for drug-related offenses. Critics argue that such extreme measures are not proportionate to the nature of the crimes committed and infringe on the right to life.

The identities of the executed individuals and the charges against them were not widely publicized prior to their execution, adding to the lack of clarity surrounding the case. As of now, the Iranian authorities have not officially commented on the execution of Mohammad Hussein Esmaieli, Ali Rajabian, Javad Ajamian, and Mohammad Hassan Jafari.