A yellow crane erected in Alikhani Square in Isfahan last week served as a gallows for the public execution of two men arrested during anti-government protests earlier this year, underscoring a recent intensification of capital punishment in Iran. Authorities executed Amirhossein Safari, 28, and Abolfazl Sepahi, 23, who had been charged with involvement in the deaths of four security officers and the destruction of public property during demonstrations on January 8. A third man, Alireza Sepahi, 25, reportedly suffered a stroke or heart attack before his scheduled execution and was hospitalized before being returned to prison.
The executions drew a large crowd of residents who gathered to oppose the hangings and show solidarity with the condemned. Witnesses described tension between supporters of the regime, who chanted religious slogans, and protesters expressing anger and grief. Security forces intervened forcefully, firing warning shots into the air and using batons, tear gas, and paintball guns to disperse demonstrators.
The condemned men were among at least 12 individuals sentenced to death in connection with the January protests. Two others charged in the same case were executed on July 19, while authorities reportedly plan to carry out additional executions. Among those at risk are teenagers Shervin Bagherian and Amirhossein Maleki, both in their late teens or early twenties. Families of the condemned have reportedly been summoned for final visits amid reports of coercion and intimidation, including allegations of mock executions and torture to extract confessions.
Human rights activists have criticized the judicial process, describing it as opaque and violating international fair trial standards. Experts from the United Nations have called for the annulment of the death sentences, citing closed-door hearings and restricted legal representation. Reports indicate that evidence placing some defendants elsewhere during the killings was disregarded by Iranian courts.
Former political prisoner Mehdi, who spoke under a pseudonym, recounted meeting some of the defendants in detention in Isfahan. He described harsh interrogation methods involving physical abuse and electric shocks but also highlighted moments of camaraderie among the detainees. Mehdi expressed deep sorrow following the executions and emphasized the detainees’ sacrifices amid ongoing repression.
Iran has seen a sharp rise in executions this year, particularly targeting those involved in the January protests and earlier demonstrations linked to the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement. According to a U.S.-based rights organization, at least 43 executions connected to political or national security cases have taken place between January and July, including 26 related to the recent unrest.
Roya Boroumand, executive director of the human rights center tracking these cases, noted the rapid pace of death sentences, the revival of public executions, and the use of broad espionage charges as tools to suppress dissent and inhibit information flow. She suggested that these actions aim to reassure regime supporters and signal consequences for violent acts against security personnel while highlighting the link between domestic repression and Iran’s broader regional policies.
Among those injured in the initial protests was Vahid, a 30-year-old from Karaj, who recounted being shot during the January demonstrations that devolved into violence when security forces opened fire on crowds. Despite lasting nerve damage and permanent mobility issues, Vahid said he remains committed to the cause that led him onto the streets, underscoring the widespread and ongoing unrest challenging the Iranian government.