Iran executed three men, including teenage wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, on Thursday morning local time for their alleged roles in killing police officers during anti-government protests in January. The executions took place in Qom province after the Supreme Court upheld their death sentences.
Key Takeaways
Iran executed three men, including teenager Saleh Mohammadi, for their alleged roles in killing police officers during January protests. International rights groups criticize the executions as unfair trials involving torture.
- Iran executes three men over protest-related killings
- Teen wrestler Saleh Mohammadi among those hanged
- Rights groups allege confessions obtained through torture and unfair trials
- Executions part of broader crackdown on anti-government protests
- Over 100 others face potential death sentences
The judiciary stated that the men were convicted of murder and 'Moharebeh' (waging war against God), including acts purportedly favoring Israel and the United States, according to TimesLIVE and Reuters. Authorities reported that the three participated in attacks using knives and other weapons during protests on January 8, resulting in the deaths of two police officers.
The executions have drawn international criticism. Rights groups allege that the men confessed under torture and were executed without a fair trial. According to BBC, their deaths came a day after Iran executed dual Iranian-Swedish national Kouroush Keyvani for spying.
Former Iranian water polo player Reza Soleimani expressed devastation over Mohammadi's execution, sharing his own experiences of fleeing Iran and facing imprisonment. He highlighted the broader impact on athletes involved in the protests, noting that over 100 athletes were reportedly shot during demonstrations per Reuters.
The latest executions are part of a broader pattern of severe crackdowns on protests and dissent within Iran. The nationwide protests that began in December have reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths, with varying estimates from different sources. According to Al Jazeera, Iranian authorities say 3,117 people were killed during the anti-establishment protests.
Amnesty International stated the convictions came after 'grossly unfair trials' using confessions extracted by torture. The group warned that many more executions of protesters and political prisoners may be imminent according to Los Angeles Times. Over 100 others face charges carrying the death penalty, with at least 27 death sentences already issued.
Mohammadi was a standout wrestler who won a bronze medal in an international youth freestyle tournament earlier this year. He had participated in anti-government protests since 2022 and was known for his inspirational messages on social media according to Los Angeles Times.
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