Iran hangs two anti-government protesters in public

Iran's judiciary announced on Tuesday the public hanging of two men accused of attacking police officers during anti-government protests. The executions took place in a public square in Malekshahr, central Isfahan province, according to media reports.

“

The death sentences of Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari were carried out this morning.

The judiciary's Mizan Online website identified the men as Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari. They were found guilty of "moharebeh (waging war against God) by drawing weapons and creating fear and terror" and "corruption on earth for committing acts that severely disrupted public order and security."

“

attacking police officers with machetes and knives, tying them to road signs, pulling them on the ground, dousing them with gasoline, and setting them on fire

The charges stemmed from an incident on January 8 where they allegedly attacked police with machetes and knives, tied them to road signs, and set them on fire. These protests, initially sparked by the high cost of living, evolved into widespread anti-government demonstrations.

“

moharebeh (waging war against God) by drawing weapons and creating fear and terror

Iranian authorities claim over 3,000 deaths, attributing violence to "terrorist acts" by the U.S. and Israel. Rights groups, however, maintain security forces fired on protesters. The country has seen a rise in arrests and executions, linked to both the ongoing conflict and the protests, with Amnesty International reporting Iran conducts the second-highest number of executions globally, after China.

“

corruption on earth for committing acts that severely disrupted public order and security in the country