Political Prisoner Ali Zarei Douzdarehsi at Imminent Risk of Execution in Ghezelhesar Prison

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, political prisoner Ali Zarei Douzdarehsi was transferred to the solitary confinement cells of Ghezelhesar Prison on 19 September 2026, raising concerns about the possibility of his imminent execution. 

Ali, a “Woman, Life, Freedom” protester, was shot in the eye on 7 October 2022. He had subsequently moved to Germany where he took part in protests against the Islamic Republic and in support of Reza Pahlavi. He was arrested on 28 April 2026 after returning to Iran and sentenced to death on the charge of efsad-fil-arz (corruption on earth) by the Revolutionary Court.

In a voice message sent from prison on 10 September, Ali stated that his sentence had been upheld, appealing for help to stop his execution.

Since 18 March, the Islamic Republic has executed at least 31 protesters (29 arrested in connection to the January protests and two “Woman, Life, Freedom” protesters), 13 political prisoners affiliated with banned opposition groups, and 15 people accused of espionage or collaboration with the foreign states.