Iran executes two men for January 2026 anti-government protests in Mashhad

Iran executed two men, Ali Hemmati and Majid Nik-Andish, by hanging on September 30, 2026 for their alleged role in January 2026 anti-government protests in Mashhad that Iranian authorities say killed four security personnel and caused property damage. The judiciary's Mizan Online reported the executions after Iran's Supreme Court upheld their death sentences.

The protests began in late December 2025 over rising living costs and peaked January 8-9, 2026. Iranian authorities claim over 3,000 died in the unrest, blaming 'terrorist acts' by the US and Israel, while NGOs like Iran Human Rights and Amnesty International say security forces opened fire on protesters. Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025 - the highest since 1989 - and Amnesty ranks it second globally for executions after China.

How does Iran's use of the death penalty in protest cases compare to responses to demonstrations in other countries, including Nigeria's experiences with movements like #EndSARS, and what lessons might be drawn for managing civil unrest while protecting human rights?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/30/iran-hangs-two-men-over-deadly-anti-govt-protests/