Iran executes Afghan couple over drug-related charges

Iranian authorities have executed an Afghan couple convicted of drug-related offenses, according to a report released by the human rights organization Hengaw.

The executions were reportedly carried out at the Central Prison of Qazvin, a city in northwestern Iran. The couple — identified as Hadiqa Abadi and Younis Mazarshams — had been arrested four years ago on narcotics charges and later sentenced to death in a joint case file.

According to Hengaw, the couple’s three children have since been sent back to Afghanistan.

This case adds to growing concern over Iran’s treatment of Afghan nationals within its judicial system. Since the beginning of 2025, Iranian authorities have executed nearly 60 Afghan citizens.

Legal experts and human rights advocates have raised alarm about the lack of due process afforded to many of those executed. 

In response to the ongoing executions, officials from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have confirmed that they are engaged in diplomatic talks with Iranian authorities regarding the status of Afghan prisoners. According to Afghan officials, these negotiations have made some progress, particularly around the repatriation of Afghan nationals imprisoned in Iran.

No official comment has yet been made by Iranian authorities regarding the execution of Abadi and Mazarshams.