InternationalSunday, 19 July 2026·The Hindu - International
Iran executes two protesters as post-2025 unrest and death penalty figures draw global attention
Iran’s judiciary said two men were executed on July 19, 2026, in Isfahan over protest-related charges, amid reports that 1,639 people were executed in 2025.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 19, 2026, Iran’s judiciary said Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi were hanged in Isfahan over charges linked to anti-government protests that peaked on January 8 and 9 after beginning in late December.
Key specifics
- The judiciary said the two men tied police officers to a road sign, injured them with stones, doused them with gasoline and set them on fire.
- The indictment said they filmed the killing scene and sent the footage to television channels abroad.
- The protests began over economic grievances in late December and escalated into nationwide anti-government demonstrations in January.
- Iranian authorities said more than 3,000 people died, while NGOs disputed the official account.
- NGOs Iran Human Rights and ECPM said Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, the highest since 1989.
Exam lens
Question type: Human rights and international current affairs, Iran judiciary, July 19 2026 executions, January 8-9 protests, 1,639 executions in 2025. TNPSC may ask the city, the dates, and the NGO figures.