On July 28, 2026, Iranian authorities executed Abolfazl Sepahi Badjani, 25, and Amirhossein Safari Hosseinabadi, 28, in Isfahan, despite attempts by hundreds of protesters to intervene. The men were convicted of charges related to clashes that resulted in the deaths of four security officers. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the fairness of their trials, citing allegations of torture and forced confessions.
The executions occurred during a nationwide uprising that began in late December 2025, triggered by economic issues such as currency collapse and inflation. In response to the protests, Iranian security forces implemented a crackdown involving internet shutdowns and mass arrests.
The executions took place at approximately 3:40 a.m. local time, coinciding with the morning call to prayer, despite appeals from United Nations experts and international human rights groups. U.S. State Department officials condemned the executions, urging the Iranian government to halt its campaign against dissent.
Following the executions, protests resumed in Isfahan, with demonstrators expressing their determination to continue resisting the government. Videos showed crowds chanting against the state while security forces maintained a heavy presence.
The two men were part of a group of 12 defendants sentenced to death in connection with the Alikhani Square case, which arose from the January anti-government protests. Reports indicate that many defendants faced torture during interrogations, and some were tried without legal representation.
According to the Iran Human Rights organization, at least 26 protesters have been executed in connection with the recent uprisings, with more than 70 others at risk of execution. The organization also reported that 424 executions have occurred in Iran in 2026, with many linked to political dissent.
Human rights advocates have condemned the use of public executions as a method of instilling fear among the population, calling for international accountability for the Iranian government's actions.