Iran executes two men by hanging after protests

Isfahan – 20/07/2026: The Iranian judiciary has executed two men whom authorities said were involved in violent attacks on security forces during anti-government protests. Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi were killed by hanging on Sunday, July 19, in the central Iranian city of Isfahan. The report was published by the judiciary and subsequently picked up by international news agencies.

According to state accounts, the two convicted men allegedly tied police officers to a road sign, injured them with stones, doused them with gasoline and set them on fire. These allegations could not initially be independently verified. In the available reports, the judiciary did not provide comprehensive details on possible victims of the alleged attack, the time of the incident or the evidence.

The executions are linked to the major protests that began at the end of December 2025 amid sharply rising living costs. The demonstrations quickly developed into a nationwide movement against the political leadership of the Islamic Republic. According to consistent reports, they reached their peak on January 8 and 9, 2026. Security forces subsequently moved against demonstrators in numerous cities.

Since the beginning of the wave of protests, Iranian authorities have repeatedly announced death sentences and executions in cases allegedly connected to the demonstrations. As early as March 2026, three men were executed, according to state accounts, over allegations linked to the January protests. Human rights organizations have for months criticized the high number of death sentences and the conditions under which many proceedings take place.

In February, Amnesty International warned of expedited proceedings against at least 30 people who could face the death penalty in connection with the protests. The organization said at the time that there were reports of forced confessions, torture and restricted access to independent legal representation. Iranian authorities regularly reject criticism of the judicial system and justify harsh penalties as necessary to combat serious violent crimes.

The current case underscores the continuing repression following the demonstrations at the turn of the year. While the judiciary held the two executed men responsible for serious attacks on police officers, there is no publicly available independent information about the course of the investigation and court proceedings. It was also not disclosed whether defense lawyers were able to fully examine and challenge the allegations.

The death penalty continues to be imposed in Iran for offenses that authorities classify as attacks on public security or as enmity against the state. International human rights groups have long called for an end to executions and for transparent proceedings. The sentences carried out on July 19 are likely to increase pressure on Tehran once again over its treatment of protesters.