In the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, the death sentence of Fathollah Avari, one of the protesters who participated in the January uprising and protests in Hamedan, was carried out at the city’s central prison.
According to state-run media, he was arrested in connection with the killing of a regime security force member during the January 8, 2026, protests and was sentenced to death by the regime’s judiciary on the charge of moharebeh (“waging war against God”). Reports indicate that his execution was carried out secretly and without granting him a final visit to his family.
Human rights organizations and civil activists have expressed concern in recent months about the handling of this case. Referring to numerous reports regarding pressure on political and security-related defendants, these groups warned about forced confessions, restrictions on access to independent legal counsel, and the absence of a fair trial.
In contrast, media outlets affiliated with the regime claim that after Fathollah Avari’s arrest, documents and evidence related to the case were discovered during a search of his residence and that he admitted to the allegations during interrogation.
Mizan News Agency, affiliated with the judiciary of Iran’s regime, claimed that he was involved in the killing of a Mohammad Javad Bakhshian, one of the regime’s repressive forces dispatched to quell protests. The outlet alleged that the officer lost his life during the January 8 protests in Hamedan.
According to accounts published by state-run media, law enforcement forces were deployed in the area during the protests and clashed with demonstrators. These outlets claim that Major Bakhshian became separated from other officers during the unrest and suffered severe injuries after being attacked by protesters. He reportedly died after being transferred to a hospital.
State-run media have also claimed that following Fathollah Avari’s arrest, a knife, a blood-stained hoodie, and a pair of shoes that they said matched surveillance camera footage were discovered at his residence.
The execution was carried out despite repeated warnings from human rights organizations regarding the issuance and implementation of death sentences against individuals arrested during protests and the use of charges such as “moharebeh” in political cases. These organizations have called for transparency in judicial proceedings and adherence to international human rights standards.
