Iranian authorities have carried out the execution of three men accused of killing security personnel during the country’s recent anti government demonstrations, according to state affiliated media reports.
The executions, which took place early Thursday in Qom province, mark the first known implementation of death sentences linked to the wave of protests that intensified earlier this year.
Among those executed was Saleh Mohammadi, reportedly a teenager and member of Iran’s national wrestling team, according to sources cited by CBS, a partner of the BBC.
Iran’s judiciary confirmed that the Supreme Court had upheld the death penalties prior to the executions. The men identified as Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi, and Saeed Davoudi were convicted over the killing of two police officers in separate incidents during the unrest.
State linked Tasnim News Agency reported that the trio were also found guilty of moharebeh, a charge under Iranian law meaning waging war against God, often used in cases involving opposition to the state.
However, human rights organizations have strongly criticized the process, alleging that the accused were forced to confess under torture and were denied fair trial procedures.
The executions come amid a broader crackdown on dissent that followed nationwide protests triggered by economic hardship, including a sharp decline in the national currency and rising living costs. The demonstrations quickly evolved into wider calls for political reform, posing one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s leadership in decades.
Rights groups claim the government’s response was severe, with reports of mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and widespread use of lethal force. Estimates suggest thousands of people may have died during the January crackdown, including civilians and minors.
In a separate development, Iran also executed Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian Swedish citizen, after convicting him of espionage for Israel. Swedish authorities have since questioned the legitimacy of the legal process that led to his execution.
The unrest, which reportedly spread across all 31 provinces and affected nearly 180 cities, has drawn international concern. At the time, United States President Donald Trump warned of consequences if Iran proceeded with executing protesters, while Iranian officials publicly denied any immediate plans to carry out such sentences.
Despite those assurances, the recent executions signal a continued hardline stance by Iranian authorities.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region remain high following escalating military exchanges involving Iran, Israel, and United States allied forces in the Gulf.
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