Iran announced Tuesday the execution of two men convicted of killing four police officers during protests that took place in January, according to state media reports. The judiciary's Mizanonline news agency identified the men as Abolfazl Sepahi Badjani and Amir Hossein Safari Hosseinabadi. They were also found guilty of setting a police station ablaze and damaging public property in Isfahan, a city located approximately 250 miles south of Tehran.
These executions represent the latest in a series of penalties against tens of thousands arrested during a nationwide crackdown on protests that began in late December and extended into January. Rights groups have expressed concern that more individuals could face death sentences. Security forces heavily suppressed the demonstrations.
In July, Iran executed two other men in connection with the same case. Iranian authorities have stated the death toll from the protests exceeded 3,000, while human rights activists estimate the number to be over 7,000.
