12 Isfahan Protesters on Brink of Execution as Concerns Mount Over Imminent Implementation of Sentences Following Transfer to Solitary Confinement

Reports from Iran indicate that 12 detainees in the “Alighani Square” case in Isfahan have been moved to solitary cells and now face imminent execution. Human rights activists have described this situation as a serious alarm bell and warned that the implementation of these sentences—following a process that critics say was fraught with serious judicial ambiguities—could mark one of the darkest chapters in the suppression of protesters in the Islamic Republic.

As concerns escalate over the fate of detained protesters in Isfahan, reports indicate that 12 prisoners sentenced to death in the case known as the “Alighani Square” case (Malard) have been transferred to solitary cells—a measure that in the Islamic Republic’s judicial system is typically recognized as one of the final stages before execution. Although judicial authorities have not officially announced the timing of the executions, informed sources have reported an increased risk of imminent implementation of these sentences.

According to published reports, the death sentences for these 12 individuals have been confirmed by the Supreme Court and forwarded to the execution branch of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. This case relates to December protests in the vicinity of Alighani Square in Isfahan, following which dozens of people were arrested and faced serious charges.

The names of individuals facing execution are: “Alireza Sepahi, Abolfazl Sepahi, Ghaem Hoseini, Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi (Afghan citizen), Shervin Baghriyan, Erfan Esfandiari, Amirhossein Safari, Amirhossein Maleki, Ali Dashti, Abolfazl Ebrahimi, Alireza Raisi, and Amirhossein Ebrahimi Analoocheh.” According to reports, some of these prisoners face multiple death sentences.

Human rights activists say the transfer of these prisoners to solitary confinement has raised concerns to their highest level. In past years, there have been numerous instances where political and security prisoners have been executed just days or even hours after being moved to solitary cells—a matter that has made any similar transfer subject to heightened scrutiny.

The “Alighani Square” case has now become a symbol of the Islamic Republic’s harsh treatment of protesters. Critics argue that the extensive use of capital punishment in cases related to protests not only contradicts fair trial principles and Iran’s international obligations, but has transformed this penalty into a tool for instilling fear and silencing voices of dissent in society.

Concerns are further heightened by the fact that among the condemned are individuals born in 2006 and 2007, a matter that has once again raised questions about the nature of judicial proceedings and compliance with international human rights standards.

While human rights organizations and the families of these prisoners have called for an immediate halt to the implementation of the sentences and a review of the proceedings in this case, the silence of Islamic Republic authorities regarding the status of these 12 prisoners has added to the concerns. If reports of their transfer to solitary cells for execution prove accurate, the international community will have only limited time to react and attempt to prevent the implementation of these sentences.