Full Breakdown
Iran Executes Two Men Over January 2026 Mashhad Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Executions of Ali Hemmati and Majid Nikandish
On September 30 2026, Iran’s judiciary executed Ali Hemmati and Majid Nikandish at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Both were arrested during the protests that began on December 28 2025 and intensified on January 8-9 2026. The Mizan news agency said they were convicted of “moharebeh” (waging war against God) and other national-security offenses for alleged involvement in the killing of four security personnel in Mashhad’s Tabarsi district.
Background & Context
The protests started on December 28 2025 over economic hardship and a sharp rial depreciation. Large rallies on January 8-9 2026 led to dozens of deaths and extensive property damage. Security forces responded with a crackdown, arresting thousands and opening a series of death-penalty cases.
Data & Statistics
- HRANA documented 7,007 confirmed deaths in the first 50 days of unrest, including 6,488 protesters and 236 children.
- The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission reported at least 29 executions of protest-linked men between March and August 2026, five publicly.
- Iran Human Rights (IHR) counted 31 executions of protest-related detainees as of mid-September 2026.
- Amnesty International noted 1,639 executions in Iran in 2025, the highest annual total since 1989, and later reported 2,159 executions that year, about 80 % of global executions.
Official Statements & Responses
The agency said the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentences after legal procedures were completed. The judiciary reiterated the definition of “moharebeh” as “waging war against God,” citing the killings and broader conspiracy charges.
Criticism & Opposition
The UN Fact-Finding Mission highlighted due-process violations, including forced confessions and denial of chosen lawyers. HRANA reported that Nikandish’s confession was obtained under coercion and that both men endured solitary confinement and intense interrogations. Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights condemned the accelerated use of the death penalty to suppress dissent and called for a halt to executions and fair trials.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Death tolls: Iranian authorities claim more than 3,000 deaths, blaming “terrorist acts” linked to the United States and Israel. Independent NGOs and HRANA document over 7,000 deaths, many civilians.
- Execution counts: NGOs cite 1,639 executions in 2025; the UN records at least 29 executions in early 2026; Amnesty’s later data suggest 2,159 executions in 2025.
- Legal process: The judiciary says trials included lawyers, while the UN and HRANA assert defendants were denied counsel and subjected to forced confessions, indicating a lack of transparency.
Why It Matters
The executions illustrate Iran’s reliance on capital punishment to deter dissent after the 2025-2026 protests. The gap between official narratives and independent assessments raises concerns about the rule of law and the treatment of political prisoners, prompting international scrutiny and potential diplomatic repercussions.