Dariush Rafiee Taghanki was arrested after four months in hiding on April 30, 2026, during a raid by government forces in Orumiyeh, Iran.
The 28-year-old is a former political prisoner and a member of the Qashqai Turk community. Authorities have not disclosed any information regarding the arresting body, his place of detention, or the charges against him.
Within hours of Taghanki’s arrest, Iran executed two men—Nasser Bakerzadeh and Yaghoub Karimpour—on May 2, 2026. The executions were carried out without notifying their lawyers or families.
Bakerzadeh’s death sentence had been overturned twice by the Supreme Court. Karimpour faced severe pressure to produce forced confessions during his detention.
Key facts about the executions:
- Bakerzadeh’s death sentence was overturned twice by the Supreme Court.
- Karimpour spent over two months at the Ministry of Intelligence detention centre under inhumane conditions.
- Both men were transferred to solitary confinement before their executions.
The circumstances of Bakerzadeh’s execution are particularly striking. Karimpour categorically denied transmitting any information to any person or institution.
As of midday on May 2, details surrounding the executions remain unclear. Human rights advocates have condemned these actions as violations of due process and human rights.
This situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the Iranian judiciary and its treatment of political prisoners. The international community awaits further responses from Iranian authorities regarding these events.