Iran Executes Three Men Over January Protests

Iranian authorities executed Hassan Divband, Hamid Kazemi, and Reza Zanganeh at dawn on Sunday in the city of Karaj.

The judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported that courts convicted the three men of carrying out operations for Israel and the United States, accusing them of using firearms, throwing Molotov cocktails, and burning public property during the January 2026 anti-government demonstrations.

Human rights organisations condemned the hangings, highlighting severe due process violations.

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Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) stated that the executions bring the total number of demonstrators hanged following the January unrest to at least 39.

Iran executes three men over January protests (News Central TV) — Iran executes three men over January protests.  Credit: Reuters

Rights groups warned that state media relied on coerced confessions to secure the convictions, noting that the charges against Zanganeh—a 27-year-old auto mechanic—stemmed solely from his routine professional travel.

The dawn executions reflect a broader surge in capital punishment across Iran since the onset of conflict with the United States and Israel.

Rights advocates warn that hundreds more detainees, including political prisoners and demonstrators, face imminent risk of execution under accelerated state trials.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.