May 13, 2026, 9:11 amMay 13, 2026, 9:11 am
In the midst of a series of executions, Iran’s judiciary has once again carried out a death sentence following espionage allegations.
Ehsan Afreschteh, an IT expert, was executed by hanging in the morning, the justice-affiliated Misan news agency reported. Iran’s judiciary had accused him of collaborating with the Israeli foreign secret service Mossad.
More people have been executed in Iran.Image: Shutterstock
According to information from the US-based human rights network HRANA, Afreschteh was arrested in 2024 while traveling back to his homeland from Turkey. Accordingly, he initially spent the first few months in solitary confinement in the notorious Ewin Prison in the capital Tehran.
The civil engineering graduate worked as an IT expert, among other things, in the field of cybersecurity, reported the human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), based in Norway. In Turkey, he became aware that foreign secret services were exploiting him, the organization reported, citing statements from a fellow prisoner.
Confession in custody
According to the activists’ report, Afreschteh still decided to return to Iran after his father contacted Iranian security authorities and explained the situation. There he turned himself in to the Iranian authorities. While in custody he was then forced to confess.
The judiciary, in turn, published a detailed report on his alleged espionage activities. Accordingly, the Israeli secret service Mossad Afreschteh is said to have initially trained virtually. His later tasks reportedly included documenting target locations, observing the area around the Ministry of Intelligence, attending meetings and taking photos of various people.
Human rights groups have been criticizing the rigorous use of the death penalty in Iran for years and accusing the authorities of using executions as a means of intimidation. According to IHRNGO, at least 1,639 people were executed last year, more than in 35 years. (dab/sda/dpa)