Iran Executes Two Men Over Anti-Government Protests

Iran's judiciary announced on Wednesday the execution of two men convicted of charges related to the anti-government protests that erupted late last year. The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, reached their peak in January. According to the judiciary's Mizan Online news outlet, Ali Hemmati and Majid Nik Andish were found guilty of participating in "riots" in Mashhad in January that resulted in the deaths of four security personnel. The outlet also stated they caused "serious damage to public property" by setting fire to shops, banks, buses, and trees.

The executions were carried out by hanging early Wednesday, following confirmation of their sentences by the Supreme Court. The protests began in late December due to rising living costs but quickly escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations, peaking on January 8th and 9th.

Iranian authorities reported over 3,000 deaths, primarily among security forces, attributing the violence to "terrorist acts" orchestrated by the United States and Israel. However, international human rights organizations claim security forces fired on demonstrators, leading to thousands of deaths.

Since the protests, Iran has seen an increase in arrests and executions, both related to the "American-Israeli war" and earlier domestic unrest. In 2025, Iran executed at least 1,639 people, the highest annual figure since 1989, according to Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty. Amnesty International ranks Iran second globally for executions, after China.