An individual identified as Amirhossein Hatami was executed in Iran on Thursday, following conviction for an attack on a classified military facility during January protests. State media also reported the execution of Ali Fahim for a similar offense on the same day, along with three other individuals linked to the incident. Meanwhile, Iran's judiciary denied reports of an imminent execution for another protester, Erfan Soltani, stating he faces charges not punishable by death. These events unfold within the broader context of a significant government crackdown following widespread anti-government protests earlier this year.
Execution and Conviction Details
On Thursday, an individual identified as Amirhossein Hatami was executed in Iran, according to the judiciary's news outlet Mizan. Hatami had been convicted in connection with an attack on a classified military facility that occurred during protests in January. His appeal was rejected, and the Supreme Court upheld his sentence.
The judiciary stated that Hatami was found guilty of several charges, including entering a restricted military site in Tehran, causing damage, setting fire to the facility, and attempting to seize weapons and ammunition. Mizan reported that Hatami admitted to these charges during interrogation.
Concurrently, state media reported the execution of Ali Fahim on the same day. Fahim was convicted for his involvement in an attempt to storm a military facility and access an armoury during unrest in January. Authorities also stated that three other individuals linked to the same incident have been executed.
Human Rights Concerns
Rights group Amnesty International had identified Amirhossein Hatami as one of 11 individuals at imminent risk of execution. The organization reported that these individuals had been "subjected to torture and other ill-treatment in detention, before being convicted in grossly unfair trials that relied on forced confessions."
Amnesty International also stated that multiple defendants faced execution in connection with the January unrest, claiming detainees experienced torture and "grossly unfair trials."
Case of Erfan Soltani
Reports emerged that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man arrested in connection with recent protests, was facing imminent execution. The Norway-based Kurdish human rights organization Hengaw reported that Soltani's family was informed of his impending execution, initially scheduled for Wednesday, shortly after his detention. Hengaw later stated the execution had been "postponed" but maintained "serious and ongoing concerns" for Soltani's life. Hengaw also indicated that Soltani had not been allowed contact with his family since his arrest.
However, Iran's judiciary denied these reports, with state broadcaster IRIB citing the judiciary as stating Soltani faces charges of "colluding against national security" and "propaganda activities against the establishment," neither of which are punishable by the death penalty.
The judiciary described foreign media reports concerning Soltani's execution as "a blatant act of news fabrication." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated there was "no plan" to carry out such executions.
Following the judiciary's denial, US President Donald Trump, who had previously warned Iran against executing protesters, stated that sources indicated "the killing in Iran is stopping, and there's no plan for executions."
Broader Context of January Protests
The executions and ongoing judicial processes are set against the backdrop of widespread anti-government protests that began in January. Hamzeh Khalili, the first deputy chief of the Judiciary, announced last month that cases related to these protests had been finalized and sentences were being implemented. Authorities described these protests as a nationwide anti-government movement that experienced a significant crackdown, with some characterizing it as the largest crackdown in the Islamic Republic's history.
The protests, which reportedly spread across more than 180 cities and towns in all 31 provinces, were initially fueled by anger over the Iranian currency's collapse and rising cost of living. They later evolved into demands for political change, marking one of the most significant challenges to the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Iran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, pledged swift legal action against "rioters," stating those who committed "terrorist acts" would be prioritized for trial and punishment. An internet blackout imposed by Tehran authorities last Thursday complicated information gathering regarding the unrest.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported 2,417 protesters, 12 children, and 10 uninvolved civilians had been killed, while nearly 150 security forces or government affiliates were also killed, and at least 18,434 protesters arrested.
Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based group, reported that Iran executed at least 1,500 individuals last year, making it the world's second-most prolific executioner after China.