Iran executes Afghan citizen and upholds death sentence for political prisoner

The Iranian Judiciary has announced the execution of Qayem Hosseini, an Afghan citizen, in connection with the Ali Khani Square incident in Isfahan. Hosseini, also known as Aryan, was convicted of charges including ‘moharebeh’ (enmity against God), corruption on earth, actions against national security, destruction of public property, and conspiracy against national security. The judiciary claims Hosseini was present during the January 8, 2026, protests in Isfahan, where four security personnel were killed, and alleges he participated in setting fire to a charity institution.

Separately, the Supreme Court of Iran has upheld the death sentence for Arghavan Fallahi, a 24-year-old political prisoner held in Evin Prison. Fallahi was sentenced to death by a Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of ‘baghy’ (armed rebellion). Reports indicate she was detained by security forces and held in specialized sections of Evin Prison, where she allegedly faced psychological torture to extract confessions regarding the assassination of two judges.

Human rights organizations and United Nations experts have criticized the handling of these cases, citing concerns over unfair trials, lack of transparency, and the use of forced confessions. They note that the execution of political prisoners in Iran has intensified following recent regional conflicts and domestic unrest.