Iran has executed three men convicted of killing police officers during nationwide protests in January. The executions, carried out on Thursday, mark the first judicial hangings directly linked to the recent anti-government demonstrations. Human rights organizations have criticized the trials, alleging unfair proceedings and confessions obtained under torture. These executions occurred amid a broader crackdown by Iranian authorities, including the execution of an alleged spy and numerous arrests.
The executions, carried out on Thursday, mark the first judicial hangings directly linked to the recent anti-government demonstrations.
Executions Spark Outcry Amid Torture Allegations
On Thursday, Iran executed Saleh Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi, and Saeed Davoudi in Qom. The judiciary's Mizan news agency reported that the men were convicted of "waging war against God" (moharebeh) under Iran's sharia law.
They were found guilty of involvement in the deaths of two law enforcement personnel and conducting "operational actions" for the United States and Israel during the "Dey [January] unrest." Saleh Mohammadi was identified as a member of Iran's national wrestling team and had recently turned 19.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights, and Iranian legal affairs monitor Dadban, stated that the three individuals were executed without fair trials.
Rights groups alleged that confessions were obtained under torture, and the defendants were denied adequate defense and effective access to independent counsel.
Dadban further equated the use of the death penalty under such circumstances to an "extrajudicial killing."
Nationwide Protests and Escalating Casualties
The protests began in late December over the rising cost of living and evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations, peaking on January 8 and 9. Iranian authorities reported 3,117 deaths during these protests.
This figure contrasts sharply with those from human rights organizations. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) documented over 6,872 to 7,000 killings, mostly protesters. A UN special rapporteur suggested the death toll might even exceed 20,000, citing state internet filtering as a hindrance to information flow.
Iranian authorities have attributed the violence during the protests to the U.S. and Israel. They reject claims by the United Nations and international human rights organizations that state forces were primarily responsible for the casualties.
Iran's hardline judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has stated there would be "no leniency" for those convicted of violent acts during the protests. Iran Human Rights indicated that hundreds of people face protest-related charges that could result in death sentences.
Broader Crackdown and Heightened Regional Tensions
These executions follow a series of related actions by Iranian authorities. A day prior, Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian-Swedish national, was executed on charges of spying for Israel. This was the first public announcement of such an execution since recent regional tensions involving Israel and the U.S.
On Wednesday, Iranian authorities reported hundreds of additional arrests nationwide and announced operations targeting individuals described as "traitors" aligned with U.S. and Israeli interests. The Ministry of Intelligence stated that 111 "pro-monarchy cells" across 26 of Iran's 31 provinces were prevented from launching actions against the country's theocratic establishment, which replaced a U.S.-backed monarchy in a 1979 Islamic revolution.
Iran has a history of executing individuals convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency as part of broader crackdowns.
Iran is considered one of the world's most prolific executioners, with at least 1,500 hangings reported last year.
Iran Human Rights expressed concern about a "risk of mass executions of protesters and political prisoners in the shadow of war," suggesting these executions aim to instill fear.