Mai Sato: Five Political Prisoners Sentenced to Death Transferred from Evin to Qazalhesar

The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran expressed concern over the "forced transfer of five political prisoners sentenced to death" from Ward 4 of Evin Prison to Qazalhesar Prison. Mai Sato announced on Thursday, April 28, on the social media platform "X" that following these forced transfers, "the atmosphere of Evin Prison has become security-oriented, creating a dangerous environment for prisoners." She did not provide details regarding the names and charges of the individuals mentioned, only stating that "I will closely monitor this situation, and the international community must not remain silent on this matter." According to Ms. Sato, "this case and similar cases add to ongoing concerns about the Islamic Republic of Iran's use of the death penalty." In her recent report to the UN Human Rights Council, she also warned about the "deteriorating conditions of Evin Prison." In her first report on March 19 of last year, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran expressed serious concerns about the rising number of executions in Iran, the lack of transparency regarding information related to the death penalty and detentions, the continued repression of protesters in the country, and discrimination against minorities. According to Ms. Sato, the wave of executions in Iran in 2024 has reached its highest level since 2015, and there are fears that if this trend continues, the number of executions in the country could exceed "a thousand per year." In her post on Thursday, she considered execution an issue whose consequences extend beyond the individual being executed, as she stated, "it destroys families, causes psychological harm to other prisoners, negatively impacts prison staff, and creates a cycle of suffering throughout society. The emotional cost is immeasurable." The intensification of executions in Iran is not limited to 2024. The "Iran Human Rights Organization," based in Norway, reported on April 15 that at least 230 people were executed in Iran during the first quarter of 2025. This number of executions is in stark contrast to the same period last year, which recorded 110 executions, indicating a 109% increase. The severe government repression and the risk of protests becoming "underground" are also highlighted.