Repression and human rights violations against opponents of the Iranian government continue. According to human rights reports, at least 1,639 people were executed in 2025 alone, and tens of thousands were arrested. The same reports state that more than 30,000 people were killed during protests that began in late 2025, while large numbers were also detained.

 

Prisons are among the locations where violations are most severe. However, due to restrictions, there is no reliable comprehensive data. Human rights organisations say the situation inside prisons reflects a deeply alarming picture.

 

Tavakoli, an activist and editor at the “Voice of Prisoners in Iran” website, spoke to Mezopotamya Agency (MA) about conditions inside Iranian prisons.

 

‘NO TRIALS, ONLY TORTURE AND ARRESTS’

 

He said uncertainty in prisons has increased following the US-Israel war, adding that the state has stopped responding to families of detainees. “This practice existed before, but it has intensified during the war,” he said and added: “In recent weeks, judicial processes have largely stalled and many detainees remain in limbo. Requests for release or leave are not answered.”

 

‘PRISONERS’ LIVES IN DANGER’

 

Tavakoli highlighted severe conditions in prisons such as Evin Prison, saying prisoners face extreme deprivation: “We receive reports that detainees are living in very poor conditions. In areas with limited communication, the situation is even worse. Prisoners cannot access medicine, hygiene products, clean water or food. Some say they go entire days without meals or receive only minimal food.”

 

He added that access to basic hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and shampoo has been restricted, putting many lives at serious risk. He also said hospital transfers are severely limited and only the most critical cases are taken for treatment.

 

‘BODIES NOT RETURNED TO FAMILIES’

 

Tavakoli said many families are not informed about the whereabouts or legal status of their relatives, and in some cases executions are carried out secretly. Tavakoli said: “Many people are executed without their families being allowed a final visit. Six prisoners affiliated with the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) were executed and their bodies were not returned to their families.”

 

‘RIGHT TO LEGAL DEFENCE DENIED’

 

He said political prisoners are denied the right to choose their own lawyers. “Only lawyers approved by the state are allowed. Families cannot appoint independent defence lawyers. These state-appointed lawyers do not defend their clients properly and instead contribute to building new cases against them,” he said.

 

‘FAMILIES TOLD NOT TO REPORT ARRESTS’

 

Tavakoli said authorities use detainees as leverage to control families: “Families are threatened not to report arrests to human rights organisations or the media. They are told this will be considered cooperation with foreign or hostile media and will worsen the case.”

 

‘REAL WAR IS BETWEEN PEOPLE AND THE REGIME’

 

Tavakoli said the authorities fear mass uprisings more than foreign conflict and added: “The regime fears popular uprising more than bombs or foreign enemies. It is trying to suppress dissent through fear and mass arrests.”

 

He cited cases of detainees dying under torture and said the state uses executions and arrests as tools of control. “The regime governs through torture, executions and repression. The real war is between the people and the regime,” he stressed. 

 

‘INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE INSUFFICIENT’

 

Tavakoli criticised international responses as insufficient: “Condemnations are not enough. International organisations must apply legal and political pressure to stop executions and secure the release of political prisoners.” 

 

Tavakoli also stressed states not to prioritise economic interests over human rights, warning that continued tolerance of executions would increase instability in the region.

 

MA / Berivan Kutlu