Iran Executes Majid Adineh for Alleged Foreign Espionage

The Government of Iran executed Majid Adineh on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Karaj Penitentiary. Adineh was convicted of acting as an agent for Israel and the United States during anti-government protests in January that were triggered by high living costs and economic hardships.

Adineh was arrested on January 9 in Alborz province. Authorities reported that he and another suspect were carrying a revolver, ammunition, tasers, tear gas canisters, gasoline, and a rechargeable chainsaw. The Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and the confiscation of all his property on charges of deliberate arson, gathering, and collusion against internal security. The Supreme Court of Iran subsequently upheld the verdict.

Iran Human Rights reported that Adineh is the 29th person executed since March 19 in connection with the January unrest. While Iranian officials attribute over 3,000 deaths during the protests to foreign-orchestrated terrorism, human rights organizations and U.S. officials report significantly higher death counts. Dissident Masih Alinejad criticized the execution as occurring in "secrecy" and "darkness," noting that Adineh was not accused of killing anyone.