Politics Another execution in Iran after espionage allegations
In the midst of a series of executions, Iran's judiciary has once again carried out a death sentence following accusations of espionage.
13.05.2026, 09:08
SDA
Ehsan Afreshteh, an IT expert, was executed by hanging in the morning, the Misan news agency, which is affiliated with the judiciary, reported. Iran's judiciary had accused him of collaborating with the Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad.
According to the US-based human rights network HRANA, Afreschteh was arrested in 2024 when he traveled back to his home country from Turkey. According to the report, he initially spent the first few months in solitary confinement in the notorious Ewin prison in the capital Tehran.
The civil engineering graduate had worked as an IT expert in the field of cyber security, among other things, reported the Norway-based human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). In Turkey, he became aware that foreign intelligence services were exploiting him, the organization reported, citing statements from a fellow detainee.
Confession in custody
According to the activists' report, Afreschteh nevertheless decided to return to Iran after his father sought contact with Iranian security authorities and explained the situation. There he handed himself in to the Iranian authorities. He was then forced to confess while in custody.
The judiciary in turn published a detailed report on his alleged espionage activities. According to the report, the Israeli secret service Mossad initially trained Afreschteh virtually. According to the report, his later tasks included documenting target locations, observing the area surrounding the Ministry of Intelligence, attending meetings and taking photos of various people.
Human rights groups have been criticizing the rigorous application of the death penalty in Iran for years and accuse the authorities of using executions as a means of intimidation. According to IHRNGO, at least 1,639 people were executed last year, the highest number in 35 years.
