Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi, two of the death-row convicts in Isfahan’s Ali-Khani Square case, had their final visit with their family on the verge of execution. This meeting was held under conditions where the mother of the family, who is herself serving a five-year prison sentence, was transferred from prison to the meeting location for the last time to bid farewell simultaneously to her son and son-in-law.
Iran Human Rights Society, Monday, July 20, 2026– Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi, two of the death-row convicts in the case known as the “Ali-Khani Square” of Isfahan, are on the verge of execution. According to published reports, these two prisoners have held their final visit with their family members; a meeting that, due to the unique circumstances of this family, has had widespread resonance among human rights activists.
The relationship between Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi is not limited only to being cousins. One of them is married to the sister of the other, making him also the son-in-law of the same family. This family bond has caused the potential execution of these sentences to expose one family simultaneously to the loss of two of its members.
Last Visit with a Mother Who Is Herself Imprisoned
According to published information, the last meeting of these two prisoners took place in the presence of the mother of the family—a mother who is herself being held in prison under a five-year sentence and was transferred from prison to the meeting site through arrangements by authorities to attend this visit.
This meeting, according to informed sources, was one of the most painful scenes recorded in this case: a mother forced to say goodbye simultaneously to her son and her son-in-law, both of whom stand on the verge of execution.
Human rights activists consider this situation an example of the human and familial consequences of death sentences, emphasizing that the effects of such sentences are not borne solely by the convicts, but profoundly impact their families and loved ones as well.
The Ali-Khani Square Case and Growing Concerns
Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi are among the defendants in the case known as the “Ali-Khani Square” in Isfahan—a case dating back to the events of January 8, 2026, and nationwide protests in that city.
Following the killing of four Basij members during those events, security forces arrested at least 59 individuals, initiating the judicial process for this case. Ultimately, death sentences were issued for 12 of the detainees, while 23 others were reportedly sentenced to prison terms ranging from five to 10 years.
Concerns regarding the fate of the convicts in this case intensified after two of the death-row prisoners, Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi, were executed on the morning of Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Erfan Esfandiari was 18 years old at the time of his arrest, and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi, a 23-year-old Afghan national, was also among the convicts in this case. The execution of these two prisoners has increased the likelihood of the execution of the remaining convicts, causing deep anxiety for families and human rights organizations.
Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi Among the Death-Row Convicts
According to published information, Alireza Sepahi, 24, has been sentenced to four death sentences, and Abolfazl Sepahi, 23, has been sentenced to three death sentences.
Among the other convicts in this case are the names:
- Ghaem Hosseini
- Shervin Bagherian
- Amirhossein Safari
- Amirhossein Maleki
- Ali Dashti
- Abolfazl Ebrahimi
- Alireza Raeisi
- Amirhossein Ebrahimi Analoucheh
Some of these convicts were under 20 years of age at the time of their arrest, and several face more than one death sentence—an issue that has drawn strong reactions from human rights organizations.
Concern Over the Fate of 8 Other Convicts
Following the transfer of 12 death-row convicts in this case to solitary confinement cells, two have been executed so far, while no official information has been released regarding the status of the remaining 8 prisoners.
The last visit of Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi with their family has heightened fears regarding the imminent execution of their sentences. Human rights activists have called for a halt to the executions, a review of the judicial process, and provisions for an independent investigation into the claims raised regarding this case.
Human Consequences of Executions
Beyond its judicial aspects, the case of Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi has drawn attention due to the special circumstances of their family.
According to informed sources, the imprisonment of the mother and the potential loss of her son and son-in-law at the same time offers a stark picture of the deep social and familial impacts of capital punishment—an issue highlighted by many human rights activists as one of the lesser-seen consequences of the death penalty.
Legal Review of the Case Based on Domestic Laws
Introduction
The laws of the ruling dictatorship have been repeatedly criticized in recent years by international bodies for contradicting fair trial standards and international human rights norms. Nevertheless, even under domestic laws, defendants possess rights such as a fair trial, access to counsel, effective right to defense, and an impartial hearing, which judicial authorities are obligated to observe.
In the Ali-Khani Square case, reports concerning ambiguities in the proceedings, restrictions on access to chosen counsel, and concerns over the full adherence to fair trial principles have been published. Such issues stand in direct conflict with constitutional principles and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Potential Violations of Domestic Law
- Potential violation of the right to a fair trial;
- Restrictions on effective access to chosen legal counsel;
- Ambiguity in the review process and evaluation of evidence;
- Implementation of death sentences prior to addressing all ambiguities raised regarding the case.
Human Rights Violations Regarding Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi
The status of Abolfazl and Alireza Sepahi on the verge of execution, following the execution of two other convicts in the same case, raises grave concerns regarding the right to life, guarantees of a fair trial, and the human impact of capital punishment on families. The situation of this family, whose mother is also incarcerated, is viewed by human rights activists as a severe example of the social and human consequences of implementing death sentences.
Related Human Rights Articles
- Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to life, liberty, and security of person;
- Articles 10 and 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence;
- Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Protection of the right to life;
- Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: The right to a fair trial, counsel, and effective defense;
- The Nelson Mandela Rules: Preservation of the dignity of prisoners, respect for their rights, and consideration of the human impact of penal decisions on prisoners and their families.
See also the below articles:
- Ghezel Hesar Hunger Strike 7th Day: Inmates and Families Demand End to Executions + Video and Photos
- Evin Prison Health Crisis: Deteriorating Hygiene and Scabies Outbreak
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