Fourteen prisoners have reportedly been transferred to solitary confinement in Dastgerd Prison, raising grave fears that the death sentences of 12 young protesters could be carried out within days.
According to reports published on Saturday, 18 July 2026, fourteen prisoners were transferred from the general wards of Isfahan Central Prison, also known as Dastgerd Prison, to solitary confinement.
Twelve of them are defendants in the case known as the “Alikhani Square” case. Their death sentences were previously upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court and subsequently sent to the Enforcement of Sentences Department of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. Two other prisoners were reportedly transferred to solitary confinement at the same time, although their identities and legal status have not yet been confirmed.
Sources familiar with the case have warned that the executions of the twelve prisoners could take place within the coming days. Transfers to solitary confinement are frequently regarded as a possible indication that preparations for executions have begun.
The twelve prisoners are:
- Alireza Sepahi, 24
- Abolfazl Sepahi, 23
- Ghaem Hosseini, 20
- Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi, 23
- Shervin Bagherian, 18
- Erfan Esfandiari, 18
- Amirhossein Safari, 27
- Amirhossein Maleki, 19
- Ali Dashti, 19
- Abolfazl Ebrahimi, 18
- Alireza Raeisi, 21
- Amirhossein Ebrahimi Analoucheh, 19
Several of the defendants were teenagers at the time of the alleged events. Shervin Bagherian was reported to have been only 17 when he was arrested following the January 2026 protests. Current reports list him as 18.
Iranian state media previously broadcast footage of Shervin’s interrogation and alleged “confession.” Human rights reports indicate that he was subjected to severe pressure, forced confession and repeated mock executions, including having a noose placed around his neck, in an attempt to force him to accept responsibility for the deaths of security personnel.
The case relates to protests held in Isfahan on 8 January 2026. At least 59 people were reportedly arrested in connection with the events. Twelve received death sentences, while dozens of others were given lengthy prison terms.
Serious concerns have been raised about the judicial process. Reports indicate that the defendants were denied effective access to independent lawyers, defence lawyers faced restrictions in accessing the case files, court proceedings were conducted in brief sessions, and several defendants reported torture and forced confessions.
In response to the transfer, prisoners in Ward Salamat 2 of Dastgerd Prison have reportedly begun a hunger strike in solidarity with the condemned prisoners and in protest against the threatened executions.
Verein Welle Calls for Immediate International Action
Verein Welle is working urgently to bring international attention to this case and prevent these executions.
We call on the United Nations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Swiss government, the European Union and all international human rights institutions to intervene immediately and demand:
- An immediate halt to all twelve executions;
- The prisoners’ return from solitary confinement;
- Access to independent lawyers and their families;
- An independent investigation into allegations of torture, mock executions and forced confessions;
There is no time to lose. International silence could have irreversible consequences.
The lives of twelve young prisoners are in immediate danger. Their voices must be heard before it is too late.
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