Story perspectives

Iran hangs two Isfahan protesters, UN says trial unfair

7/29/2026

Summary

Iran Executes Protesters

Iran executed protesters Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari in Isfahan on July 28, 2026.
Mizan Online reported they were convicted of “moharebeh” and “corruption on earth” for a January 8 police attack.
UN experts led by Mai Sato said sentencing 12 people to death breaches fair-trial standards.
Amnesty International and other rights groups condemned the hangings as state terror and urged Iran to halt the death penalty.

Summary

Iran Execution Surge

Iran’s execution rate surged after the U.S. and Israeli air campaign began on 28 February, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and sparking a five-month war.
Trials of two men, lasting only three one-hour sessions, relied on forced confessions obtained after torture, Hengaw said.
Human Rights Watch reported at least 50 executions on vague national-security charges, part of a total of 1,639 executions in 2025, the highest since 1989.

Summary

Regime Blocks Internet

The regime shut down internet service in Isfahan during the executions to block live coverage.
Relatives of Amir-Hossein Safari were summoned to Isfahan Central Prison for a final visit, violating Iranian family-notification law.
Iranian expert Beni Sabti said the public hangings signal that Tehran no longer cares about international perception.
Protesters gathered at Alikhani Square chanting “Disgrace! Disgrace!” as security forces fired tear-gas to disperse them.

History

Historical Context

In July 1988 Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini ordered a nationwide crackdown that led to the hanging of roughly 5,000 political prisoners across 32 cities, a death-committee that included future president Ebrahim Raisi. The United Nations and Amnesty International condemned the massacre as crimes against humanity. Iran’s 2026 executions of Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari echo that pattern, raising fresh international alarm.

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Iran Executes Protesters

Iran executed protesters Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari in Isfahan on July 28, 2026.
Mizan Online reported they were convicted of “moharebeh” and “corruption on earth” for a January 8 police attack.
UN experts led by Mai Sato said sentencing 12 people to death breaches fair-trial standards.
Amnesty International and other rights groups condemned the hangings as state terror and urged Iran to halt the death penalty.

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