Iran is carrying out near-daily executions of prisoners in secrecy and, in some cases, refusing to hand the bodies of the dead to their families, according to rights groups and sources close to the relatives of the dead.

Many families only learn of executions after they have been carried out, with some facing harassment and pressure not to speak publicly on the personal impact of the state killings, the sources say.

In the latest reported surge, Iran has executed at least 24 people since March, with six executions carried out over two days, according to the Norway-based monitoring group Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO).

The killings have raised fears for hundreds believed to be facing the death penalty over mass anti-government protests in January , as well as those held on espionage accusations during the war with the US and Israel.

An internet blackout imposed more than two months ago has made it increasingly difficult to communicate with people inside Iran, although some have been able to send out messages,…