Iranian state media have reported the execution of Qaim Hosseini, an Afghan citizen, in connection with the case known as the “Alikhani Square” case in Isfahan.
Mizan, the judiciary’s news outlet, reported that Hosseini, also known as “Arian,” had been sentenced to death on charges including “Moharebeh,” or waging war against God, and “corruption on earth.” The execution was carried out on Thursday morning, August 20.
According to Mizan, Iranian judicial authorities accused Hosseini of carrying a weapon, creating fear and insecurity, and participating in the deliberate burning of a charitable organization.
Iranian state media did not identify Hosseini’s nationality in their initial reports. Other reports, however, have identified him as an Afghan citizen. He has also been described as one of those detained during protests in Iran in January 2026.
Another Afghan citizen, 23-year-old Gol Mohammad Mohammadi, had previously been executed in connection with the same case. Iranian media have reported a total of five executions linked to the Alikhani Square case.
According to Iran Human Rights, at least 84 Afghan citizens were executed in Iran in 2025. The organization says the charges against those individuals mainly involved drug-related offenses, murder or retribution cases, and sexual assault.
The execution of Afghan citizens in Iran has repeatedly drawn concern from human rights organizations, particularly over due process, access to legal representation and the treatment of Afghan nationals facing capital punishment.
The latest execution adds to the broader debate over the use of the death penalty in Iran and the vulnerability of Afghan migrants and citizens involved in criminal proceedings there.
