Post-Revolution Consolidation (19801985): Following the revolution, in a period of "political retribution," it is estimated that 8,000 to 9,500 people were executed, and 25,000 to 40,000 were arrested. 1988 Mass Executions: Under Ayatollah Khomeini's order, thousands of political prisoners were executed. Estimates range from 2,800 to 5,000 (Amnesty International/Human Rights Watch), with some opposition claims as high as 30,000