In a deeply concerning development, Iranian authorities carried out the death penalties of four Kurdish prisoners in Karaj on Monday, sentencing them to death on charges of "corruption on earth." The executed individuals were identified as Mohsen Mazloum, Mohammad Faramarzi, Vafa Azarbar, and Pejman Fatehi.

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported that the case was marred by ambiguity, with the detainees lacking access to legal representation throughout their 18-month detention. The four prisoners were accused of collaborating and spying for Israel, and their first and final meeting with their families occurred at Tehran's Evin prison on Sunday before they were transferred to Ghezel Hesar prison in Karaj to carry out the death sentence under strict security measures.

During their custody, the detainees allegedly endured severe torture, which coerced them into making self-incriminating confessions on camera. These forced admissions were later broadcasted through media outlets controlled by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

International human rights organizations, including Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM), have consistently criticized Iran for its alarming execution record. In 2023 alone, Iran reportedly executed 823 individuals, positioning the country as the world's second-highest executing nation, following China.

Of particular concern is the disproportionately high number of executions involving Kurds, who face various charges, including "corruption on earth" and alleged espionage on behalf of Western powers such as the US and Israel. According to a report by Hengaw, out of the 823 executions in 2023, 151 were identified as Kurds, leading to widespread condemnation from human rights groups.

The execution of these four Kurdish prisoners adds to the growing international outcry against Iran's human rights practices, prompting calls for immediate intervention to address the systematic violations and ensure justice for those facing arbitrary and unjust punishments.