Full Breakdown
Iran Publicly Executes Two Protesters in Isfahan Amid UN Appeals
7/29/2026, 2:53:25 AM
The Executions
On July 28, 2026, Iranian authorities publicly hanged two men in Shahid Alikhani Square, Isfahan. The judiciary-linked Mizan news agency identified them as Amirhossein Safari Hosseinabadi (27) and Abolfazl Sepahi Badjiani (24). Both were convicted of taking part in the killing of four security-force members during the January 8 protests and of “moharebeh” (waging war against God) and “corruption on earth.”
Background to the Alikhani Square Case
The January 8 clashes in Alikhani Square were part of anti-government demonstrations that began in late December 2025. Security forces reported four deaths among Basij militia and special units. Earlier, twelve protesters received death sentences in a closed-door hearing; two of those—Golmohammad Mohammadi and Erfan Esfandiari—were executed on July 19, 2026, bringing the total executions linked to the case to four.
Legal Proceedings and Statistics
- Sentences: Twelve defendants received death sentences; eight remain on death row.
- Executions to date: UN experts say at least 24 people have been executed in connection with the January protests. Human Rights Watch notes at least 50 executions on vague national-security charges over the past four months.
- Casualty figures: Tehran claims 3,117 deaths during the protests; rights groups estimate up to 42,000; UN officials say the true toll is difficult to verify.
Official Statements & Responses
- UN experts: Led by Special Rapporteur Mai Sato, the panel said the mass sentencing “violates established fair-trial standards” because it was conducted in a single closed hearing without clarity on individual responsibility.
- Iranian judiciary: Mizan asserted the two men were responsible for a “horrific crime,” describing attacks with knives, axes, firearms and Molotov cocktails, and the burning of a police officer alive.
- Iran’s diplomatic mission: The permanent mission in Geneva did not respond to requests for comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Rights organisations, including Amnesty International, allege the convictions relied on forced confessions obtained under torture and that defendants were denied independent legal counsel.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Some outlets described the executions as taking place inside a prison.
- Death-toll estimates: Official Iranian figures (3,117) differ sharply from rights-group estimates (up to 42,000) and UN assessments that the total remains unverified.
- Number of executions linked to the protests: UN experts cite at least 24, whereas Human Rights Watch references a broader figure of 50 executions on national-security charges, reflecting differing definitions of “protest-related” cases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “However, this only strengthens the resolve of the rebellious youths to overthrow this bloodthirsty regime.” — President-elect, National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)
What’s Next
UN experts warned on July 27 that further executions would breach fair-trial standards and called for an immediate halt to the death sentences. The remaining eight defendants still face execution, and no schedule for additional hangings has been announced. International human-rights bodies are urging Iran to provide transparent legal processes and to cease public executions.
