Iran's judiciary announced on Tuesday that two men convicted over charges linked to anti-government protests were executed by hanging in the central province of Isfahan. State-affiliated media reported that the executions were carried out in a public square in Malekshahr, marking the latest in a series of executions connected to the unrest that gripped the country earlier this year.
According to the judiciary's Mizan Online website, the death sentences of Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari were carried out on Tuesday morning. The two men had been convicted over their alleged involvement in violent incidents during protests that reached their peak in January.
State-run Mehr News Agency reported that the executions took place in a public square in Malekshahr with members of the public present. Iranian authorities said the two men were found guilty of attacking police officers with machetes and knives during unrest on January 8.
According to the judiciary, they tied officers to road signs, dragged them on the ground, poured petrol on them and set them on fire. The accused were convicted on charges including moharebeh (waging war against God), a capital offence under Iranian law, as well as "corruption on earth" for allegedly carrying out acts that seriously disrupted public order and national security.
The protests began in late December over the rising cost of living but soon developed into widespread anti-government demonstrations across the country. The unrest intensified in early January, with January 8 and 9 witnessing some of the largest protests. Iranian authorities reported that more than 3,000 people were killed during the violence, attributing the deaths to what they described as terrorist activities backed by the United States and Israel. However, international human rights organisations have disputed that account, alleging that security forces used lethal force against demonstrators. The domestic unrest was followed by heightened regional tensions.
Also Read: Iran Rules Out Talks With US, Oman Continues Hormuz Negotiations
US President Donald Trump had warned of possible military action against Iran before the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on the country on February 28. The conflict further escalated tensions in the region and was followed by a broader crackdown inside Iran. Since then, Iranian authorities have carried out numerous arrests and prosecutions linked to both the anti-government protests and national security investigations. Human rights groups have expressed concern over the increased use of capital punishment in cases related to political unrest, arguing that defendants often face limited access to fair legal representation and transparent judicial proceedings.
The executions announced on Tuesday are not the first connected to the protests. On July 19, Iranian authorities executed two other men in Isfahan province after they were convicted on similar charges arising from the demonstrations. The continuing use of the death penalty in such cases has drawn criticism from international rights organisations and foreign governments. Iran remains one of the world's leading users of capital punishment.
According to Amnesty International, the country carries out the second-highest number of executions globally after China. Human rights advocates have repeatedly called on Tehran to halt executions, particularly in cases linked to political protests, while Iranian authorities maintain that the punishments are imposed under domestic law following judicial proceedings.
The latest executions are expected to draw renewed international scrutiny of Iran's judicial system and its handling of cases arising from the anti-government protests. The developments also come amid continuing diplomatic tensions between Iran and Western countries over human rights, regional security and broader geopolitical issues.
Also Read: Trump Warns US Will Bomb Iran Bridges, Power Plants Over Ship Attacks