– TEHRAN, Iran
Iranian authorities executed two men on Sunday, July 19, 2026, for their alleged involvement in the violent anti-government demonstrations that took place in January 2026. The men, identified as Erfan Esfandiari and Gol Mohammad Mohammadi, were hanged after being found guilty of participating in clashes in Isfahan's Alikhani Square. According to official reports, the men were convicted of participating in the killing of police officers during the unrest, including acts of serious violence against security personnel. The sentences were upheld by the country's judicial system on charges that carry the death penalty, such as waging war against God and corruption on earth.
This latest incident continues a pattern of executions linked to the widespread protests that rocked Iran in late 2015 and early 2016. State authorities have described these actions as necessary responses to attacks on law enforcement and threats to public order during the unrest in Isfahan's Alikhani Square. The cases stem from a period of intense social upheaval, during which security forces clashed in multiple locations, leading to numerous arrests and subsequent trials in revolutionary courts.
Human rights groups and opposition voices have criticized the proceedings, highlighting concerns about due process, confessions obtained under duress, and the use of capital punishment to deter political dissent. Reports indicate that the two men executed were part of a larger group of defendants in the Isfahan case. Activists warn that at least ten more people involved in the same case now face imminent execution, raising fears of further loss of life in the coming days.
The Iranian government has defended its judicial actions as essential to maintaining national security amid internal challenges. However, the repeated use of the death penalty in cases related to the protests has drawn international attention and condemnation from human rights organizations monitoring the situation. These executions reflect the authorities' firm stance against what they call armed rebellion during the January unrest.
As Iran faces constant internal and external pressure, the latest executions are expected to intensify calls for clemency and fair trials. Observers continue to monitor the fate of prisoners still at risk, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to international human rights standards in handling cases stemming from the 2025-2026 protests.