Fazlollah Nikbakht

Fazlollah Nikbakht is a 51-year-old father of three and political activist who previously  participated in the campaign calling for a referendum on the Islamic Republic staying in power. He was arrested at his home in Golpaygan along with his brother Hadi Nikbakht on 24 October 2025 after they attempted to stop authorities from seizing their farmland. They were held incommunicado for two months and transferred to Isfahan (Dastgerd) Central Prison. 

An informed source told IHRNGO: “The Golpaygan Revolutionary Court conducted a virtual hearing for Hadi and Fazlollah; however, due to a poor internet connection within the prison facilities, they were unable to follow the proceedings.”

The brothers were represented by a state-appointed lawyer and around two weeks ago, they were notified of the verdict condemning them to death. Although the precise actions constituting the charge of efsad-fil-arz remain unclear, the defendants were accused of mobilising youth to protest against the authorities.  

After the issuance of the death sentences, a lawyer hired by the family has taken Hadi and Fazel’s case. However, it is not clear whether he has been granted access to the case file.
 

Charges: Efsad-fil-arz (corruption on earth) 

Status: Sentenced to death by the Golpaygan Revolutionary Court in the second week of June 2026.