20 July 2026
The Islamic Republic of Iran has carried out the execution of two political prisoners, while prisoners in Qezel Hesar Prison continue their hunger strike against executions for the ninth consecutive day.
On Sunday, 19 July (28 Tir), Erfan Esfandiyari (18) and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi (23) were executed after being transferred to solitary confinement for the implementation of their death sentences. They were among twelve political prisoners arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026 (Dey 1404) in Isfahan.
The lives of the remaining ten political prisoners are now in imminent danger. They are:
- Alireza Sepahi, 24
- Abolfazl Sepahi, 23
- Ghaem Hosseini, 20
- Shervin Bagheryan, 18
- Amirhossein Safari, 27
- Amirhossein Maleki, 19
- Ali Dashti, 19
- Abolfazl Ebrahimi, 18
- Alireza Raeisi, 21
- Amirhossein Ebrahimi Analoucheh, 19
All twelve were sentenced to death in the so-called “Alikhani Square Case” in Isfahan. The authorities have linked the case to the deaths of four police officers during the January protests, alleging that the defendants were involved. Serious concerns remain regarding the fairness of the proceedings and the use of death sentences against protesters.
Meanwhile, the large-scale hunger strike by prisoners in Unit 2 of Qezel Hesar Prison continues. The “No to Executions Tuesdays” Campaign, now active across 58 prisons in Iran, has called for nationwide and international support for the strike. Reports also indicate growing solidarity among prisoners in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan and Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, where protests in support of the Qezel Hesar prisoners are beginning to emerge.
The expanding resistance of prisoners against executions deserves the broadest possible support. At a time when executions are being used as a tool of political repression and intimidation, international solidarity is urgently needed to prevent further loss of life.
Free Them Now calls on trade unions, human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all defenders of human dignity to speak out against the escalating executions in Iran, support the striking prisoners, and demand an immediate halt to all executions.
Stop the Executions.
Save the Lives of Iran’s Political Prisoners.
Free Them Now