Iran Sentences Two Anti-Government Protesters to Death in Front of Public

Illustration. (Pexels/Ekaterina Bolovtsova)

JAKARTA - Iran's judiciary on Tuesday announced the execution of two men hanged for their alleged involvement in anti-government protests that culminated in January, with media reporting the executions took place in a public square.

"The death sentences of Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari were carried out this morning," the Mizan Online website of the judicial agency said, citing Al Arabiya from AFP (28/7).

Meanwhile, the Mehr news agency reported that the execution by hanging took place in "a square in the city of Malekshahr" in the central Isfahan Province, with many people present.

Both were found guilty of "attacking police officers with machetes and knives, tying them to road signs, dragging them on the ground, pouring gasoline on them, and burning them" on January 8, Mizan said.

They face charges of "moharebeh (waging war against God) by brandishing weapons and creating fear and terror" and "corruption on earth by carrying out actions that seriously disrupt public order and security in the country," among other charges.

At the end of December, the protest movement, which was initially triggered by high living costs, quickly developed into widespread anti-government demonstrations and reached its peak on January 8 and 9.

Iranian authorities reported more than 3,000 deaths, and attributed the violence to "terrorist acts" orchestrated by the United States and Israel.

Meanwhile, a foreign-based human rights group said Iranian security forces shot at demonstrators.

US President Donald Trump at the time threatened to intervene militarily in Iran, before the US and Israel launched a joint attack on the country on February 28, which triggered the Middle East war.

Since then, arrests and executions have increased in the country, linked to conflicts and protests.

On July 19, two other men were hanged on similar charges in Isfahan Province.

According to Amnesty International, Iran carries out the second most executions among all countries, after China.