Mass graves in Iran

Contemporary mass graves in Iran were mostly created during the 1988 executions of Iranian political prisoners. Many of these mass grave sites have been under close surveillance by Iranian state security agents and have also been subject to deliberate politically-motivated destruction. Later, in very different circumstances, mass graves were dug in Qom to accommodate victims of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

Executions of political prisoners in 1988

In 1988, thousands of political prisoners were secretly executed in Iran and the bodies secretly buried in mass graves. Based on information provided to Amnesty International, family members, the media, and others, there have been estimates suggesting the existence of more than 120 mass grave sites. Many of the sites have been periodically destroyed by the authorities. Families of the victims have been repeatedly targeted and harassed by state security and intelligence services for holding memorial gatherings at these sites.

Suspected locations of 1988 mass graves

Khavaran

Khavaran is believed to be the largest mass grave so far identified in Iran. In 1988, family members began visiting the site individually or in groups, and in time this led to the creation of an informal community organization called Mothers of Khavaran. The group consists of mothers and other family members of the victims, and despite repeated pressure and harassment by state authorities, they have worked for over thirty years to seek justice and accountability for their loved ones.

COVID-19 pandemic mass graves in Qom

This section is an excerpt from COVID-19 pandemic in Iran § Satellite imagery from Qom cemetery.[edit]

Burial site at Qom's Behesht Masoumeh Cemetery

On 12 March, The Washington Post published satellite images and analysis provided by Maxar Technologies, saying that vast burial pits were being excavated near Qom, said to be used to accommodate the victims in the city. The digging of the new section of burial pits began on 21 February, only two days after the government announced their first cases of COVID-19, and then rapidly expanded. The number of fresh graves suggests preparation for a far larger number of deaths.