2022 Protester Aref Khoshkar Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison Following Flawed Trial

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On Wednesday morning, July 15, 2026, Iranian authorities executed 2022 protester Aref Khoshkar in Ghezel Hesar Prison. Consequently, this tragic event marks another death from the state’s crackdown on the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.
His family learned about the hanging around 8:00 AM. However, prison officials refused to immediately return his body to them. Instead, authorities transferred his remains to the Behesht-e Zahra morgue in Tehran.

Background of the Arrest

Security forces originally arrested Aref Khoshkar on November 11, 2022, following protests in Tehran’s Fallah neighborhood. Specifically, officials linked his case to the death of a Basij militia member during the October demonstrations. Therefore, the Revolutionary Court charged him with murder, conspiracy, and Moharebeh (enmity against God). He spent nearly four years in prison before the Aref Khoshkar execution took place.

Severe Judical Violations

The judicial proceedings in this case faced severe criticism due to major legal flaws. For instance, Khoshkar’s lawyer previously stated that the alleged crime scene completely lacked CCTV cameras. Furthermore, the prosecution presented no solid evidence to prove the charges against his client. Despite these massive gaps, the Revolutionary Court still sentenced him to death.

Forced Confessions and State Pressure

Reports also indicate that interrogators used extreme physical and psychological torture to extract confessions. In addition, security agents arrested and threatened his younger brother. They used this leverage to force Aref into admitting to the killing. Moreover, authorities denied him access to an independent lawyer of his choice, stripping him of a fair defense.

Broken Promises from Prison Officials

On Saturday, July 11, guards transferred Khoshkar to solitary confinement for execution. Subsequently, his family held their final meeting with him the following day. They requested a one-month stay to negotiate with the victim’s family. Although prison officials promised to facilitate this meeting, they ultimately ignored the request and rushed the Aref Khoshkar execution.
Executing a prisoner based on forced confessions and flawed evidence violates the fundamental right to life. In addition, withholding his body inflicts deliberate psychological cruelty upon his grieving family.