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Iran executes 800 prisoners in less than eight months, rights group warns of escalation
The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights is a Norway-based NGO that documents human rights violations in Iran, with a particular focus on Kurdish and other minority regions.
Iran has carried out at least 800 executions, including 46 Afghans, since the beginning of 2025, averaging nearly 100 executions each month, according to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.
Figures compiled by Hengaw’s Statistics and Documentation Center show that among those executed were at least 30 political and ideological prisoners, as well as 22 women and one child offender — a person sentenced for a crime committed as a minor, in violation of international law.
The group noted that ethnic and national minorities were disproportionately targeted.
Of those executed, 116 were Kurdish, 107 Lor, 92 Baloch, and 82 Turk. At least 46 Afghan nationals were also executed during this period.
Hengaw described the scale of executions as “alarming,” calling on democratic governments, international organizations, and human rights defenders to take stronger action against what it termed Iran’s systematic use of capital punishment.
The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights is a Norway-based NGO that documents human rights violations in Iran, with a particular focus on Kurdish and other minority regions.
Founded in 2016, Hengaw has developed a reputation as one of the most reliable sources for tracking executions, arbitrary arrests, and crackdowns on ethnic minorities inside Iran.
Iran consistently ranks as the second-highest executioner globally, after China, though precise figures are difficult to verify due to the opaque nature of Iran’s judiciary.
Rights groups say Tehran uses the death penalty not only as a punishment for violent crimes and drug offenses but also as a tool to silence dissent, target political opponents, and intimidate minority communities.
The recent spike in executions has raised concerns that Iranian authorities are using mass executions to consolidate control amid deepening domestic unrest and worsening economic conditions.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said on Monday that Pakistani military regime carried out fresh attacks targeting civilian areas in Dangam district of Kunar Province.
According to Fitrat, the strikes hit residential homes as well as public facilities, including schools, health centers, and mosques.
He reported that at least three civilians were killed, while 14 others—most of them women and children—were wounded.
Fitrat added that the attacks caused damage to civilian infrastructure, destroying two schools (one for girls and one for boys), a health center, and two mosques. He also said that approximately 80 livestock were killed.
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Ambassador Ugolini reaffirms Italy’s humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan
Speaking at the meeting, Ugolini confirmed Italy’s continued role as a donor country, with a focus on addressing basic needs and supporting livelihoods across Afghanistan.
Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian support in Afghanistan during a high-level coordination meeting in Istanbul.
Ambassador Sabrina Ugolini represented Italy at the Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting, co-organised by the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank.
Speaking at the meeting, Ugolini confirmed Italy’s continued role as a donor country, with a focus on addressing basic needs and supporting livelihoods across Afghanistan.
She highlighted the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s renewed priorities, including the empowerment of women, education, refugee support, healthcare, and demining efforts.
Together with Francesco Zatta, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) office in Islamabad, the ambassador also underscored the importance of preserving Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. They noted that safeguarding heritage sites can contribute to job creation and economic growth, forming part of Italy’s broader principles-based approach to development assistance.
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Leadership reshuffle announced across Afghanistan’s admin and security sectors
Officials say the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to streamline governance, improve coordination between institutions, and strengthen security management across the country.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has announced a wide-ranging set of leadership appointments following a decree from the IEA’s senior leadership.
Under the changes, Abdul Ahad Fazli, former governor of Faryab, has been appointed Minister of Communications and Information Technology. Mohammad Hanif Hamza will take over as governor of Faryab, while Abdulrahman Haqqani has been named governor of Khost and Abdullah Mukhtar as governor of Baghlan.
Further appointments include Mohammad Wali Jan as governor of Badghis and Makhdum Abdul Salam Saadat as Deputy Minister for Coordination of Islamic Affairs at the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs.
In the security sector, Abdul Qayum Hilal has been appointed police chief of Baghlan, Abdul Haq as police chief of Maidan Wardak, Mohammad Omar Mukhlis as police chief of Nimroz, and Faridullah Qiyam as police chief of Logar.
At the provincial deputy level, Enamullah Salahuddin (Logar), Mohammad Anwar (Paktia), Abdul Zahir Mudassir (Maidan Wardak), Mohammad Nabi Hamas (Baghlan), Rahimullah Mahmood (Helmand), and Mohammad Gul Khaybar (Farah) have been appointed. Qazi Noorullah has been named deputy governor of Paktika.
In additional postings, Mohammad Humayun Jahadyar has been assigned as commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the 203rd Mansouri Corps, while Agha Wali Hanafi will oversee detention facilities within the General Directorate of Prisons.
Officials say the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to streamline governance, improve coordination between institutions, and strengthen security management across the country.
Pakistani military carries out fresh attacks in Kunar, killing 3 and wounding 14
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