https://www.iranintl.com/en/202605024526
"The judiciary’s media center said Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bekrzadeh were hanged in Urmia Central Prison following legal proceedings.
The hangings come as authorities continue to carry out daily executions, taking place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire following the conflict that erupted on Feb. 28..."
******
AI GENERATED
Summary: Executions & Internal Crisis in Iran - May 2, 2026
Recent Executions
- Two men, Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bekrzadeh, were hanged in Urmia Central Prison on Saturday morning.
- Charges included spying for Israel and cooperating with Mossad.
- Rights groups report the legal processes were non-transparent, fast-tracked, and conducted under torture.
- Karimpour was a member of the Yarsan religious minority; Bekrzadeh was a 26-year-old Kurdish political prisoner.
Human Rights Concerns
- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk reports at least 21 executions and over 4,000 national security arrests since February 2026.
- Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi was hospitalized in critical condition after losing consciousness twice in Zanjan Prison.
- Another prisoner, Mehrab Abdollahzadeh, faces imminent execution for participation in the Woman Life Freedom protests.
Domestic Aftermath of the Conflict
- Tehran residents displaced by the 40-day war are facing forced evictions from temporary hotel housing.
- Reconstruction aid is stalled; promised rental support and repair grants have largely failed to materialize due to budget constraints.
- Estimated war damage amounts to approximately 3,000 dollars per Iranian citizen.
- A 60-day state-imposed internet blackout continues, while authorities roll out a tiered Internet Pro system that critics label as discriminatory and corrupt.
International Controversy
- Canada is facing a political firestorm after granting a Temporary Resident Permit to Mehdi Taj, Iran's football chief and a former IRGC intelligence commander.
- Taj was turned away at the border after public outcry and reporting by Iran International revealed his ties to the IRGC, which Canada designated as a terrorist entity in 2024.
****
Prayers for Iranians ✝️🙏🇮🇷
Lord Jesus, Source of Light and Grace,
We seek the comfort of Your face.
For those who dwell in Persia’s land,
We ask the shield of Your right hand.
The innocent are filled with fear,
O Savior, draw their spirits near.
From city streets to mountain height,
Be Thou their beacon in the night.
For those who face the gallows' rope,
Restore their breath, renew their hope.
For every soul in prison's deep,
The promises of mercy keep.
The shadows grow, the fires burn,
To You, the Prince of Peace, we turn.
Protect the mother and the child,
Midst storms of war and passions wild.
For those whose homes are turned to dust,
In Your compassion, they must trust.
Provide for those with bread and rest,
The weary and the most oppressed.
Break every chain of iron and hate,
And open wide the freedom gate.
Give wisdom to the hearts of men,
To seek for peace and life again.
Restrain the hand that seeks to kill,
Subdue the pride and human will.
Let justice roll like waters deep,
While those who mourn are lulled to sleep.
We pray for those who stand alone,
That Your great mercy may be shown.
O Christ, who bore the cross’s pain,
Let not their suffering be in vain.
Bring healing to the wounded ground,
Where grace and courage now abound.
To Father, Son, and Spirit blest,
We give our fears and find our rest.
Keep Iran’s people in Your sight,
And lead them safely toward the light.
Amen.
