Iran Erects Scaffold in Isfahan as Execution Fears Mount — SkimNews
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- Iran International reports an iron scaffold was erected Monday in Isfahan, raising fears that authorities are preparing to publicly execute protesters arrested during the country's January nationwide unrest.
- Iran Human Rights estimates around 100 political prisoners have received death sentences, with more than 70 awaiting execution at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, and at least 24 people executed in connection with January protests since March 19—including Mehdi Khaneki on July 22 and Erfan Esfandiari and Gol Mohammad Mohammadi on July 19.
- United Nations Human Rights Council fact-finding mission called on Tehran to halt executions immediately, noting relatives of at least two prisoners had been summoned for what appeared to be final visits.
- Donald Trump posted "Savages!!!" while reposting images of Mohammadi's execution, having previously warned Tehran during the January 2026 uprising that the US would take "very strong action" if authorities carried out hangings—though human rights advocates say public condemnation has not been matched by sufficient action.
- Iranian diaspora rallies were held July 25-27 in 12+ countries including Germany, the United States, Britain, Sweden and Canada, with Berlin demonstrators endorsing Prince Reza Pahlavi as a leader for political transition and chanting "King Reza Pahlavi."
- Prisoners at Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison—about 1,500 people sentenced to death for drug-related offenses—began a hunger strike and sit-in on July 13 after six inmates were transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for execution.
Why it matters: For the 70+ prisoners awaiting execution at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan and the 24 already executed since March 19, the regime's use of the war as political cover to fast-track death sentences means international attention diverted to military strikes is leaving civilians unprotected. A 1,500-prisoner hunger strike at Ghezel Hesar signals that internal resistance continues despite the crackdown's brutality.
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