[78427] Iran executed two protesters for involvement in the January 2026 riots

Iran executes two additional protesters

The authorities in Iran announced this morning, June 1, 2026, that they have executed by hanging Mehrdad Mohammadi-Nia and Ashkan Maleki. According to reports, the two were convicted in connection with the protests that broke out in January 2026, on charges of "arson of the Jafari Mosque" in the Gisha district of Tehran, "leading a coup," destruction of public property, and disturbing public order.

The establishment's version

The Mizan news agency, affiliated with the Iranian judiciary, alongside official media outlets such as IRNA and Akharin Khabar, claimed that the acts were documented by security cameras. The SNN agency even published quotes attributed to Ashkan Maleki's "confession," according to which he used a lighter to ignite gasoline that had been poured in the mosque's courtyard. These media outlets presented the event as part of dealing with "coup leaders" and lawbreakers.

Response from opposition groups and human rights organizations

On the other hand, networks such as Iran International and Alarabiya Farsi emphasized that this is another move by the regime to deter the public. According to 'Alarabiya Farsi', human rights organizations such as Amnesty International warn of an acceleration in the use of the death penalty as a tool of political repression. These parties point out that the use of executions has increased significantly following the waves of protest against the government and military clashes with Israel and the United States.

The Vahid Online channel, which centralizes independent reports, also noted that the Iranian judiciary carries out executions almost daily of protesters or those accused of collaborating with the West, in an attempt to create an "atmosphere of fear" among the population.