Iran’s Execution Spree: 10 Young Activists Condemned To Death In Sham Isfahan Trial

Iran's judicial system has delivered ten death sentences to young activists accused of participating in anti-government protests in Isfahan, marking yet another escalation in the country's brutal campaign against dissent. The rulings, issued by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, target a group of 16 individuals arrested during the violent January demonstrations. According to political activist Mehdi Mahmoudian, who shared information via his Khabaraneha Telegram channel, the court imposed the severe penalties on these activists, citing their involvement in inciting unrest and spreading propaganda against the government. Among those condemned to death is 20-year-old Taraneh Rahimi, whose case has drawn particular attention. Rahimi, from Isfahan, was reportedly subjected to torture including electric shocks and threats of sexual violence during her interrogation. Her sentence follows claims that she participated in the January uprising and intervened to stop the beating of another protester. Her twin sister, Romina Rahimi, received a 25-year prison term, along with Milad Boeri. Other defendants faced sentences ranging from five to 15 years, with additional time added for alleged offenses such as incitement and propaganda against the state. The trial, held in the so-called "Isfahan Shohada Square" case, has been widely criticized for its lack of due process. One of the female detainees reportedly filed a formal complaint regarding abuse, which the court allegedly disregarded. Ahmadreza Saeedi, one of the defendants, testified in court that he endured severe physical torment during interrogation, leading to a fabricated confession. Defense lawyers were largely prevented from accessing case files, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has condemned the verdicts as "brutal and unjust," highlighting the regime's flawed legal procedures and urging the international community to take notice of the ongoing human rights violations. This latest wave of executions aligns with a broader pattern of increased repression within the Islamic Republic. Since July, authorities in Isfahan have carried out at least five public hangings as part of a crackdown known as the Alikhani Square case, designed to instill fear among the population. Human rights organizations report that the number of executions is rising across the country. In Tehran, 26-year-old Ali-Asghar Peyghambari remains on death row at Ghezel Hesar Prison after the Supreme Court upheld his sentence under false "cooperation with Israel" charges. Peyghambari, a protester detained during the nationwide demonstrations in January, was sentenced under Iran's Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with Foreign Entities. His lawyer confirmed the ruling, emphasizing the severity of the charges. In Qom, state media announced the public execution of 19-year-old Saleh Mohammadi, an internationally recognized wrestler. Meanwhile, 27-year-old auto mechanic Reza Zanganeh faces imminent execution on dubious "enmity against God" charges. These cases illustrate the regime's willingness to use capital punishment as a tool of intimidation. The continued use of public executions, particularly in cities like Isfahan, underscores the government's strategy to suppress dissent through fear and coercion.