Date: July 28, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian authorities have executed two men convicted on charges linked to anti-government protests that erupted across parts of the country in January 2026, according to Iran's judiciary. The executions have drawn renewed international concern over Iran's use of the death penalty against individuals accused of participating in or supporting unrest.
The Iranian judiciary's Mizan News Agency identified the two men as Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh and Mehdi Hassani. Authorities said both were convicted of serious national security offences, including alleged membership in the banned opposition group Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) and involvement in activities connected to the January protests.
According to Iranian officials, the pair were found guilty after court proceedings that concluded they had planned and supported actions intended to undermine national security. State media said the executions were carried out following the exhaustion of legal appeals.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused the MEK, which Tehran designates as a terrorist organization, of attempting to incite unrest and coordinate demonstrations inside the country. The group, which is based outside Iran, has denied involvement in violent activities and has long opposed the Islamic Republic.
The executions followed demonstrations that took place earlier this year amid heightened political tensions and economic hardship. Iranian authorities arrested hundreds of people during the protests, saying the gatherings had been influenced by foreign-backed groups seeking to destabilize the country.
Human rights organizations strongly condemned the executions, arguing that the defendants did not receive fair trials and that the charges were politically motivated. Several international advocacy groups called on Iran to halt the use of capital punishment against individuals accused of offences related to protests or political dissent.
The United Nations and several Western governments have repeatedly criticized Iran's increasing use of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving political or security-related allegations. Rights groups have urged Tehran to ensure transparent judicial proceedings that meet international legal standards.
Iranian officials, however, have defended the country's judicial process, insisting that the defendants were convicted based on evidence presented in court and that the executions were carried out in accordance with Iranian law. Authorities maintain that they have a responsibility to protect national security and respond firmly to acts they classify as terrorism or violent subversion.
The executions come at a time of heightened international scrutiny of Iran following weeks of regional military tensions and ongoing disputes with Western countries over security and human rights issues. Analysts say the latest development is likely to intensify criticism of Tehran's human rights record while further complicating diplomatic relations with several countries.
Iran remains one of the countries that carries out the highest number of executions worldwide. The government argues that capital punishment is an essential part of its criminal justice system, while human rights advocates continue to call for reforms and greater protections for defendants facing the death penalty.