Amid International Criticism, Iran Sentences Three More Protesters to Death

By Parisa Hafezi

DUBAI (Reuters), -Another three anti-government protesters have been sentenced by Iran’s judiciary to death for allegedly committing crimes against humanity. “waging war on God”Its Mizan news agency reported Monday that it had reacted to growing international criticisms regarding its harsh crackdown against demonstrators.

Iran executed two more men Saturday in its efforts to end demonstrations. One of them was a karate champ with many national titles.

Mizan stated that Saleh Mirhashemi (majid Kazemi) and Saeid Yaaghoubi could appeal their convictions for allegedly murdering members of the volunteer Basij militia in anti-government protests held in central Isfahan.

Basij forces are affiliated with the elite Revolutionary Guards and have been leading the state’s clampdown on unrest that was sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death at 22 years old. They were held in custody by Iran’s morality officers on Sept. 16.

Pope Francis condemned Iran’s use of the death penalty against demonstrators demanding greater respect from women on Monday

“The right to life is also threatened in those places where the death penalty continues to be imposed, as is the case in these days in Iran, following the recent demonstrations demanding greater respect for the dignity of women,” Francis spoke.

One of the boldest challenges to the clerical leadership since the 1979 revolution, the protests have drawn support from Iranians in all walks of life and challenged the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy by calling for the downfall of its rulers.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Muhammad Ali Khamenei said Monday that the state does not intend to change its position. He stated in a televised speech, “Those who are willing to accept this will be punished.” “set fire to public places have committed treason with no doubt”. Treason in Iran’s Islamic Law is punishable with death.

Rights activists view the executions, arrests, and harsh sentences given to protesters by the clergy establishment as an attempt at intimidation and to create enough fear among the population to stop the unrest.

Despite the fact that the government has increased its repression, protests continue in Tehran, Isfahan, and other cities.

The judiciary says at least four people have been executed since the demonstrations began, including two protesters who were accused of killing a Basij member.

Amnesty International stated last month, that Iranian authorities sought the death penalty in a case it called “The Death Penalty for 26 Others”. “sham trials designed to intimidate protesters”.

Social media activists reported that two other protesters, Mohammad Ghobadlou, aged 22 and Mohammad Boroughani (18), were transferred to solitary confinement before their execution at the Rajai Shahr prison, Karaj.

Videos from social media, which were not verified by Reuters, showed that people gathered in front of the prison late Sunday night, chanting slogans against Khamenei.

The European Union, United States and other Western countries condemned Iran’s use of the death penalty against protestors.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Bayerbock on Monday condemned Iran’s latest executions of protesters. “a regime that murders its own youth to intimidate its population has no future”.

The Islamic Republic, which blames the unrest on foreign foes such as the United States of America, views its crackdown on protests as protecting national sovereignty.

(Written by Parisa Hafezi; Editing done by Michael Georgy & William Maclean