Shabtabnews In this dark night, I have lost my way – Arise from a corner, oh you the star of guidance.
Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) – Mehdi Khani, a man on death row for rape charges, was executed in Arak Central Prison.
According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was hanged in Arak Central Prison on 6 May 2025. His identity has been established as Mehdi Khani, a 25-year-old man arrested two years ago. He was sentenced to death on rape charges by the Criminal Court.
At the time of writing, his execution has not been reported by domestic media or officials in Iran.
In cases of rape, there is a high chance of defendants being tortured to make false confessions, which is used to issue death sentences. In Iran is one of the few countries in the world that issues the death penalty for rape. A lot of cases are also rushed without the defendants having access to a lawyer.
According to the 2024 Annual Report on the Death Penalty, at least 22 people were executed for rape charges across 10 prisons. In the first four months of 2025, at least nine people were executed for rape charges.
