Niki Nikbakht’s heart-wrenching journey begins in Osnabrück, Germany, where she reminisces over family photos, particularly of her two older brothers, Hadi and Fazlollah. The memories evoke joy, yet they are shadowed by a harrowing reality: Hadi, a father of three, including a newborn daughter he’s never seen, is facing execution in Iran. Sentenced to death by the Islamic Republic, he represents a broader crisis affecting many political prisoners in the country.
The Plight of Political Prisoners in Iran
As Niki grapples with her emotions, she expresses the fear of possibly never seeing her brothers again. “What if it really happens? What if I never get to see my two brothers again?” she wonders, fighting back tears. Despite the overwhelming sorrow, she reminds herself to remain strong and to keep fighting against the oppressive regime that has targeted her family. Hadi, 45, and Fazlollah, 50, are just two among many Iranian political prisoners currently facing the grim prospect of execution. Groups like Iran Human Rights (IHR) claim that the Iranian government has intensified such actions, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts.
Escalating Executions Amid Grappling Political Climate
This year alone has seen a dramatic rise in state-sponsored executions, with at least 47 political prisoners executed as of mid-2026—a stark increase from 16 during the same period last year. Recent cases highlight the dire circumstances, as exemplified by the execution of Mohammad Amini Dehaghani, arrested during protests and sentenced after what many argue was a flawed judicial process. It’s evident that the Iranian government’s actions are steeped in a larger strategy to suppress dissent, capitalizing on the political chaos to eliminate potential threats.
International Reactions and Human Rights Violations
While protests erupted in Iran at the end of the previous year, with the U.S. government warning against a violent crackdown, President Donald Trump’s response mixed solidarity with a warning. He emphasized American support for the demonstrators but ultimately opted not to intervene militarily. Human rights organizations have reported that more than 6,000 protesters were killed, though the Iranian regime has countered these statistics, placing the blame for deaths on so-called “rioters.”
Niki reflects on the chilling reality that accompanies her brothers’ plight: the regime’s execution of dissenters serves as a stark warning to all who oppose it. “The Islamic Republic never wants to admit that it has political opponents or political prisoners,” she explains. “They always portray politically active individuals as dangerous criminals, thereby justifying their harsh sentences.”
Despite government assurances regarding due process for prisoners, Nikbakht asserts that her brothers have faced prolonged detention without fair trials. This rush to execution correlates alarmingly with increased political unrest in Iran, a sentiment echoed by human rights advocates. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam of IHR notes that the Iranian regime has exploited international distractions to carry out more executions, effectively sending a message: dissent will not be tolerated.
Niki’s story shines a light on the broader human rights crisis in Iran, emphasizing the urgent need for international awareness and action. As she continues to advocate for her brothers and other political prisoners, she battles with the emotional weight of her situation. “I can smile in front of people, but inside, I’m struggling with immense questions about freedom and justice,” she states poignantly. Regardless of the difficulty, she feels compelled to be the voice for her brothers, hoping that the international community will heed their desperate calls for help amidst this oppressive regime.