Iran has executed two men convicted over their involvement in anti-government protests that swept across the country earlier this year. The news has drawn global attention to Iran protest executions.
According to AFP, Ali Hemmati and Majid Nik-Andish were hanged early Wednesday after Iran’s Supreme Court upheld their sentences. These cases are the latest examples within the context of Iran protest executions.
The judiciary’s Mizan Online website said the two men were found guilty of involvement “in the riots of January that resulted in the martyrdom of four security personnel” in the northeastern city of Mashhad. This verdict comes amid growing criticism of Iran protest executions by human rights groups.
Judiciary links men to January unrest
Authorities also accused Hemmati and Nik-Andish of causing widespread damage to public property during the protests.
Mizan Online said they “inflicted extensive damage on public property by setting fire to shops, banks, buses, etc., and even torching trees”.
The protests began in late December over the rising cost of living before developing into broader anti-government demonstrations. In fact, ongoing Iran protest executions have escalated international concern.
The unrest peaked on January 8 and 9.
Thousands reported dead
Iranian authorities said more than 3,000 people died during the unrest. They blamed much of the violence on what they described as “terrorist acts” backed by the United States and Israel.
Foreign-based rights groups have challenged that account, alleging that Iranian security forces opened fire on protesters.
US President Donald Trump had threatened military action against Iran during the protests. Later, the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on the country on February 28. This triggered a wider Middle East conflict.
Executions rise in Iran
Iran has carried out a growing number of arrests and executions linked to both the conflict and the anti-government protests.
According to Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty, Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025. This is the highest annual figure recorded since 1989.
Amnesty International ranks Iran as the country with the second-highest number of executions globally, behind China.
