Three Afghan nationals who were arrested during the Dey 1404 (January 2026) protests in the Iranian city of Isfahan have been sentenced to death by a branch of the city’s Revolutionary Court. According to reports, they were charged with “participation in setting fire to a police station,” and the court issued death sentences on that basis.
The human rights organization Hengaw announced on Friday, July 24, the identities of the three Afghan citizens as Afshar Shahahmadi, Iman Shafaei, and Sadruddin Ahmadzadeh. According to the organization, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan convicted them on charges of participating in the burning of a police station during the protests and sentenced them to death.
According to published information, the three men were arrested by Iranian security forces on January 10, 2026, on a street in Isfahan. Informed sources say they were held for 40 days in solitary confinement at a detention facility operated by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, during which they had no contact with their families or the outside world.
Hengaw also reported that Iman Shafaei had suffered from respiratory problems prior to his arrest. According to informed sources, however, prolonged interrogations and the lack of adequate medical care significantly worsened his condition, leading to severe asthma. The report further states that he continues to be denied access to the medication and medical treatment he requires.
According to the published information, Afshar Shahahmadi and Iman Shafaei had been living in Isfahan with their families, while Sadruddin Ahmadzadeh had traveled to Iran for work.
The death sentences were issued amid reports that Gol Mohammad Mohammadi, a 23-year-old Afghan citizen and another defendant in the same case, was secretly executed on Sunday, July 19. Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on these reports.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
