Behnam Hassaniani Hanged for Drug Offences in Qom

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); 1 June 2026: Behnam Hassaniani, man on death row for drug-related offences, was executed in Qom Central Prison.

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was hanged in Qom Central Prison on 25 May 2026. His identity has been established as 36-year-old Behnam Hassaniani from Saveh.  He was arrested around two years ago and sentenced to death on drug-related charges.

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

Drug-related executions have continuously risen every year since 2021. According to IHRNGO’s 2025 Annual Report on the Death Penalty, at least 795 people were executed for drug-related charges, of which only 0.18% were announced by official sources. 13% of all drug-related executions in 2025 were Baluch minorities while they represent 2-6% of Iran’s population.