Public executions have resumed in Iran as the regime intensifies repression following months of war with the U.S. and widespread protests in January 2026. On Tuesday, July 28, scaffolding and cranes were set up in Isfahan’s Alikhani Square to publicly hang three young men—Amirhossein Safari (27), Abolfazl Sepahi (23), and Alirez Sepahi (25)—accused of crimes related to the January protests, according to human rights groups and family members.

The Islamic Republic has executed at least 56 people on national security-related charges since March 19, including 27 linked to the nationwide protests, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated on Wednesday. Türk also warned that over 100 others face similar execution risks.

In the Alikhani case, 12 young men received death sentences, with several others sentenced to five to ten years in prison, based on information from Iranian judiciary and human rights sources. Family members reported that even the pro bono lawyer assigned to the defendants was denied access to the case during the trial and after the death sentences were issued.

Amnesty International condemned the hangings, highlighting that among those on death row are three individuals arrested as children. The organization also raised concerns that confessions were allegedly obtained under torture and other ill-treatment. A family member described the situation as putting "the whole family's life on fire," emphasizing the widespread risk faced by relatives.

These actions mark a significant escalation in Iran's crackdown on dissent amid ongoing political tensions.

Sources