Arvin Kheirkhahan Executed in Shahroud

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was hanged in Shahroud Prison, Semnan province, on 1st August 2026. His identity has been established as 20-year-old Arvin Kheirkhahan. He was sentenced to death for the charge of moharebeh (enmity against God), but it is not clear what specific acts he was accused of committing. IHRNGO is continuing its investigation to establish the facts of the case.

At the time of writing, his execution has not been reported by domestic media or officials in Iran.

Article 279 of the IPC defines moharebeh (enmity against God) as: “drawing a weapon on the life, property or honour of the public or causing them terror, in a way that creates an environment of insecurity.” When a person draws a weapon on one or several specific individuals with personal motives, but their action does not have a public element, and also a person who draws a weapon on the public but does not create an atmosphere of insecurity due to their incompetence, they shall not be considered a mohareb (person who commits moharebeh).

Article 281 of the IPC stipulates that “bandits, robbers and smugglers who resort to arms and disrupt the security of the public and roads, shall be considered mohareb.”

Article 282 of the IPC sanctions the death penalty in cases of moharebeh. However, power is granted to judges to impose the alternative punishments of crucifixion, amputation of the right hand and left foot, or domestic exile away from the defendant’s hometown.

As well as being used against political prisoners, moharebeh charges are also used for other offences including armed robbery.