Iran Executes Two Men Convicted of Killing Police Officers During January Protests

Iran’s state media announced that two men, Abolfazl Sepahi Badjani and Amir Hossein Safari Hosseinabadi, were hanged after being convicted of murdering four police officers, setting fire to a police station, and damaging public property in Isfahan. The executions were reported by Mizanonline.ir, a outlet affiliated with the judiciary. The two are the latest among the tens of thousands arrested during the nationwide crackdown that followed protests that began in late December and continued into January. Earlier in July, Iran carried out two additional hangings in the same case.

Associated Press

The protests erupted after the death of a Mahsa Amini-type detainee and quickly spread across the country, prompting a heavy security response. Security forces detained large numbers of participants, and the government characterized the unrest as a threat to public order. The crackdown resulted in numerous arrests and a series of trials that have drawn international attention.

Associated Press

Iran’s authorities have reported that the protests caused more than 3,000 deaths. Rights-group activists contest this figure, estimating over 7,000 deaths. Rights organizations also warn that additional detainees could face death sentences, though no further executions have been confirmed beyond those already reported.

Associated Press

State media conveyed the judiciary’s position that the executions were lawful punishments for the crimes attributed to the two men. The judiciary-linked report emphasized the defendants’ involvement in violent acts against police and property. No public comment from the executed individuals or their families was provided in the available reports. Rights groups have expressed concern that the death sentences may continue, urging greater transparency and due-process safeguards.

Associated Press