Iran executes two more over ‘spying for Israel’
Iran executes two more over ‘spying for Israel’
Iran executes two more over spying – In a recent development, Iran carried out the execution of two additional citizens for alleged collaboration with Israel’s intelligence services. This marks the continuation of a broader pattern of state-sanctioned killings targeting individuals accused of espionage, a trend that has intensified in recent months. The Iranian judiciary, steadfast in its resolve, has rejected calls from international bodies to slow down the pace of executions, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing strict legal consequences for perceived threats.
Recent Executions and Judicial Stance
The latest executions followed a series of similar rulings, with Iran’s judicial authorities maintaining their position that the death penalty is justified for those deemed to have compromised national security. In a statement, the head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, dismissed global criticism, asserting that the country would not show hesitation in punishing those linked to foreign intelligence operations. “The political apparatus and propaganda of the aggressor enemy say that ‘such-and-such a criminal must not be brought to account for his actions and executed,’” he declared. “Who are you to use such rhetoric? We will certainly not show negligence or leniency in prosecuting and legally punishing any criminal whose hands are stained with the blood of our people.”
According to state media, the executed individuals, Yaqoub Karimpour and Nasser Bakarzadeh, were found guilty of working with Israeli intelligence. Karimpour, a 41-year-old adherent of the Yarsan religious minority, also known as Ahl-e Haqq (People of Truth), was arrested in June 2025. His case has drawn particular attention, with human rights groups highlighting his detention conditions. Throughout his imprisonment, Karimpour was reportedly denied access to legal counsel and family visits, and was subjected to intense interrogation to secure forced confessions. The judiciary claims he transmitted critical information to Mossad during the 12-day conflict in June 2025.
Details of the Convictions
Bakarzadeh, a Kurdish political prisoner, was arrested in December 2023. He has faced multiple death sentences from the Urmia Revolutionary Court, all on charges of espionage for Israel. An audio file released by the Urmia prison reportedly captured his emotional plea: “Every moment I see my own death.” The Iranian authorities allege that Bakarzadeh provided the coordinates of key locations, including the Natanz nuclear facility, to an Israeli intelligence officer. This information, they claim, was instrumental in advancing Israel’s strategic objectives during the conflict.
Their sentences were confirmed by Iran’s Supreme Court, which has upheld the convictions of numerous detainees in the context of the ongoing war with Israel. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) had previously warned of the pair’s impending execution, noting their roles as members of marginalized communities. Karimpour’s affiliation with the Yarsan faith, a religious minority, and Bakarzadeh’s Kurdish background have been emphasized as factors in their prosecution. These details underscore the intersection of political and religious motivations in Iran’s judicial process.
Escalating Trend of Executions
Recent weeks have seen a surge in executions, coinciding with military actions by the United States and Israel. Iranian officials have framed these killings as a necessary measure to instill fear and deter dissent. The Hengaw human rights organization reported that at least 26 prisoners were executed in Iranian prisons alone during April 2026. Among these victims, 14 were identified as political prisoners, while one was a woman. The organization attributed the increase to a combination of internal and external pressures, including the ongoing conflict and domestic political campaigns.
These executions have raised concerns among international human rights organizations and the United Nations. Activists have criticized the use of the death penalty as a tool for silencing critics and maintaining control over the population. The UN human rights office has repeatedly highlighted the need for Iran to ensure fair trials and reduce the number of executions, particularly those linked to the war with Israel. Despite these appeals, Iran has maintained its stance, with the judiciary chief reinforcing the legitimacy of the process.
Context and Implications
The killings of Karimpour and Bakarzadeh are part of a larger narrative of political repression in Iran. The country’s judiciary has increasingly targeted individuals suspected of aligning with perceived enemies, such as Israel. This approach has been criticized for lacking transparency and due process, with many detainees subjected to harsh treatment before being sentenced. HRANA and other groups have pointed to the systemic nature of these prosecutions, suggesting they serve as a means to eliminate opposition rather than address genuine security threats.
International reactions have been mixed. While some nations have expressed solidarity with Iran’s efforts to combat espionage, others have condemned the executions as violations of human rights. The emphasis on national security has allowed the judiciary to justify the death penalty, even for crimes that may be politically motivated. As the wave of executions continues, the focus on individuals like Karimpour and Bakarzadeh serves to reinforce the narrative of an enemy within the nation, aligning with broader propaganda efforts.
Amid these developments, the role of the judiciary in shaping public perception cannot be overstated. By framing the executions as necessary for national survival, officials have shifted the discourse away from individual rights and toward collective security. This has enabled the continued use of the death penalty, even as the international community calls for a review of Iran’s judicial practices. The recent cases of Karimpour and Bakarzadeh exemplify this pattern, highlighting the intersection of religion, politics, and the legal system in Iran’s pursuit of perceived threats.
“The political apparatus and propaganda of the aggressor enemy say that ‘such-and-such a criminal must not be brought to account for his actions and executed.’ Who are you to use such rhetoric? We will certainly not show negligence or leniency in prosecuting and legally punishing any criminal whose hands are stained with the blood of our people, and we pay no attention to the bluster of the arrogant powers and their propaganda mouthpieces.” — Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of Iran’s judiciary.
The escalation of executions has also prompted comparisons to past campaigns, such as those targeting political dissidents during the 1980s. While the current focus is on espionage for Israel, the broader implications for human rights in Iran remain a subject of debate. The judiciary’s insistence on strict enforcement has led to a climate of fear, with many detainees reluctant to speak out or challenge their sentences. As the trend continues, the balance between national security and individual freedoms becomes increasingly scrutinized.
