Ali Mirza Gholikhani Hanged for Drug Offences in Rasht

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was hanged in Rasht (Lakan) Prison on 31 August 2025. His identity has been established as Ali Mirza Gholikhani, a 43-year-old man from Lahijan. He was arrested four years ago and sentenced to death on drug-related charges by the Revolutionary Court.

At the time of writing, his execution has not been reported by domestic media or officials in Iran.

Drug-related executions have continuously risen every year since 2021. According to IHRNGO’s 2024 Annual Report on the Death Penalty, at least 503 people were executed for drug-related charges, of which only under 3% were announced by official sources. 17% of all drug-related executions in 2024 were Baluch minorities while they represent 2-6% of Iran’s population. At least 347 people were executed for drug-related offences in the first seven months of 2025.