Iran executes two political prisoners

Iran executed two political prisoners, Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi, in Ghezel Hesar prison early on April 19, 2026. The judiciary accused the men, aged 38 and 45, of espionage, planning military operations against government institutions, and cooperating with opposition groups. They were arrested in May 2025 and reportedly subjected to torture during interrogation by security forces. The executions highlight the regime's continued use of capital punishment against political dissidents.