Iran has executed three men accused of killing police officers during anti-government protests in January, state media report, marking the first hangings linked to these demonstrations. Among them is teenager Saleh Mohammadi, a member of Iran's national wrestling team, according to sources. The executions occurred early Thursday morning in Qom province after the Supreme Court upheld their death sentences. The nationwide protests, which erupted in December, rapidly escalated through January, prompting a violent crackdown by authorities. Many human rights organizations claim thousands were killed during this period, including a significant number of children.
The three men—Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi, and Saeed Davoudi—were convicted of killing two police officers in separate incidents, with the added charge of moharebeh or waging war against God, a typical charge used by Iranian authorities to justify death sentences. Human rights advocates argue that these men confessed under torture and were executed without fair trials.
Just a day before these executions, Iran also hanged Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian-Swedish citizen found guilty of espionage. His execution too raised concerns about the legality of the trial process. The protests have been fueled by discontent over economic hardships and a demand for political reform, challenging the Iranian regime in ways not seen since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Reports suggest that the situation continues to be dire, with many lives lost and a severe crackdown on communication and information within the country.
The three men—Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi, and Saeed Davoudi—were convicted of killing two police officers in separate incidents, with the added charge of moharebeh or waging war against God, a typical charge used by Iranian authorities to justify death sentences. Human rights advocates argue that these men confessed under torture and were executed without fair trials.
Just a day before these executions, Iran also hanged Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian-Swedish citizen found guilty of espionage. His execution too raised concerns about the legality of the trial process. The protests have been fueled by discontent over economic hardships and a demand for political reform, challenging the Iranian regime in ways not seen since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Reports suggest that the situation continues to be dire, with many lives lost and a severe crackdown on communication and information within the country.
