Ali Reza Sepahi, a 25-year-old Iranian protester who was arrested during the January protests in Iran, was executed on the morning of October 5 at the central prison of Isfahan. He married his 22-year-old fiancée, Mahshad Kashani, who was also imprisoned due to the protests, on the eve of his execution.
Details of the Execution and Conditions Leading Up to It
Ali Reza Sepahi and another protester, 21-year-old Ali Reza Raeisi, were sentenced to death following protests that took place in Ali Khani Square in Isfahan on January 8, during which four police officers were killed. Iranian judicial authorities accused them of being members of an armed group and threatening national security. According to reports, Iran has executed 34 people in connection with these protests so far.
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Ali Reza Sepahi, who was arrested on January 10, was in detention along with his mother, who has now been sentenced to five years in prison. His trial was marred by serious deficiencies, and evidence showing that he was not present at the scene during the incident was ignored.
Marriage on the Eve of Execution
After Ali Reza Sepahi's execution was scheduled for July 28, he suffered a heart attack and was transferred to the hospital. In the following days, after returning to prison, he lived in fear of execution every day. On the eve of his execution, his lawyer arranged for a phone call with his fiancée so that they could marry with the permission of their parents. This marriage took place in their absence and was conducted solely over the phone.
Prison officials did not allow the couple to meet in person, and this act was carried out legally but without their presence. Ultimately, Ali Reza Sepahi was sentenced to death, and after the execution, their bodies were not returned to their families and were transferred to another city.
These events highlight the serious and dire consequences of protests in Iran and their violent suppression. Ali Reza Sepahi and Mahshad Kashani will now be remembered as symbols of resistance and oppression in contemporary Iranian history.
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