Asatunews – Iran Executes Three Men for Alleged Roles in Political Protests
Iranian authorities have executed three men accused of involvement in political protests that occurred this January. This move marks the latest in a series of near-daily hangings occurring amidst heightened international and domestic tensions, as reported by The Guardian.Politics
The judiciary’s Mizan news agency announced on Monday that Mehdi Rassouli, Mohammad Reza Miri, and Ebrahim Dolatabadi were put to death. They had been convicted for their alleged roles in the unrest that swept through the eastern city of Mashhad.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) provided further details on the timing of the executions. According to the organization, Rassouli, 25, and Miri, 21, were hanged at dawn on Sunday at the Vakilabad prison located in Mashhad.
The demonstrations originally began in December due to economic grievances. However, they quickly evolved into nationwide rallies against the Islamic regime, reaching their peak during mass demonstrations on January 8 and 9.
Mizan stated that Rassouli and Miri were held responsible for the death of a member of the security forces. The agency further described Dolatabadi as one of the primary instigators behind the unrest in Mashhad.
Security forces responded to the nationwide movement with a significant crackdown. While human rights groups claim thousands were killed during the suppression, Iranian authorities have blamed the violence on rioters they allege were supported by foreign powers.
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) classified the three individuals as political prisoners. The organization asserted that their sentences followed unfair trials conducted within the revolutionary courts.Politics
International Concerns Over Execution Rates
Since executions resumed in March, Iran has reportedly executed 24 political prisoners. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of IHR, has called for a decisive response from the international community to address the current trend.
“The international community, especially the European Union, must respond decisively to this ongoing wave of executions.” Amiry-Moghaddam said. He warned that without increased political costs, daily executions might continue in the coming months.
Amnesty International also issued a statement on May 1, urging global action against the escalation of arbitrary executions. The group documented cases of 13 men who reported being subjected to torture before their convictions.
“[The international community must] not stand idly by while the Iranian authorities continue to escalate the arbitrary execution of political dissidents and protesters to instil fear,” Amnesty International stated.
The organization noted that many trials lasted only a few hours and relied heavily on forced confessions. Rights groups highlight that Iran maintains the second highest number of executions globally, with at least 1,639 people hanged last year according to IHR data.
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